Who is the Azerbaijani special forces officer who drew presidents’ attention?

Images of the officer, who was remembered for his warm conversation with President Ilham Aliyev and Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Victory Day, November 8, have sparked public interest.

Who is the heroic officer standing beside the heads of state and praised with pride by President Ilham Aliyev?

“Operative Information Center-OMM” reports, citing Qafqazinfo, that the officer is Major Elturk Ali oghlu Rzabayli. Born in Sumgait, Elturk Rzabayli serves in the Special Forces of the Azerbaijani army.

Some of the most memorable moments in Elturk’s service came during the 44-day Patriotic War. He fought in the war six years ago with the rank of captain. The officer displayed personal courage and bravery in operations to liberate Kalbajar district from occupation.

Rzabayli was wounded three times by bullets and shrapnel while fighting to liberate Azerbaijani lands from enemy occupation. Despite this, each time he cut short his treatment and returned to service.

After the war, he was awarded the “Garabagh” and “Azerbaijani Flag” orders, as well as the medal “For the liberation of Kalbajar,” by presidential decree.

Described by the head of state as one of the heroes who “taught the enemy a lesson,” Elturk Rzabayli continues to serve with the rank of major.