Baku: Today marks Azerbaijan’s 107th Police Day, celebrating the establishment of the Azerbaijani Police.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and police agencies have been integral to the nation’s development, safeguarding national interests, and defending independence since the People’s Republic in 1918-1920. Following the collapse of the People’s Republic, the internal affairs agencies gained significant experience in maintaining law and order during Azerbaijan’s 70-year period under Soviet rule.

The period under Great Leader Heydar Aliyev saw the police force’s activities receive considerable attention, with July 2 officially declared Azerbaijan Police Day by a decree in 1998. Azerbaijani Police were notably active during the First Karabakh War, where 1,700 police officers and military personnel were martyred, and 1,710 were injured. Additionally, 67 individuals received the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan, and 1,143 were awarded orders and medals for their service.

In ongoing efforts to fight crime and maintain public order, 99 police officers and military personnel lost their lives, and 2,640 were injured. President Ilham Aliyev has continually worked to improve the combat readiness and social protection of the Internal Troops, ensuring they are well-equipped to fulfill their duties.

The Azerbaijani Police, a centralized law enforcement agency, played a critical role in the 44-day Patriotic War, contributing significantly to the country’s historic victory. The Internal Troops’ special forces inflicted substantial damage on the enemy during the Second Karabakh War, with 66 personnel martyred and 346 wounded. President Ilham Aliyev recognized 1,690 personnel for their heroism, awarding various orders and medals.

Today, Azerbaijani police continue to uphold public order and safety across all territories, including regions liberated from occupation, demonstrating high professionalism in preventing provocations.