BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 27. Azerbaijan's
special service agencies have become a professional and powerful
organization responding to the most complex challenges of the
modern world today, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.
"Every year on March 28, employees of the security and
intelligence agencies of Azerbaijan celebrate their professional
holiday with great pride. This date is not only the day of the
establishment of an institution, but also a symbol of the formation
of one of the crucial pillars of Azerbaijani statehood. The main
mission of these institutions is to ensure state security, protect
national interests, ensure internal stability, and combat external
threats.
The history of Azerbaijan's security agencies dates back to
March 28, 1919. At that time, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic
understood the crucial importance of ensuring national security. In
an environment with many internal and external threats, the
establishment of intelligence and counterintelligence services was
a strategic necessity.
The establishment of this institution demonstrated how
farsighted the policies of Azerbaijan’s statehood were, because for
an independent state, a strong security system is just as important
as the military and diplomacy. The security structures established
during that period formed the foundation of the country’s defense
and security system in subsequent stages," he noted.
According to the analyst, after Azerbaijan lost its independence
in 1920, the activity of security agencies changed.
"The structure was incorporated into the USSR system, and its
main task became the protection of the Soviet regime. This period
was a difficult and complex stage for the Azerbaijani people. The
protection of national interests was not a priority; rather,
ideological control and actions in line with the Soviet system were
prioritized. Nevertheless, Azerbaijani personnel working in the
security system during this period made significant contributions
to the formation of a professional school. This experience later
played a key role in the creation of the modern national security
system in the independence period.
One of the most important stages in the history of Azerbaijan’s
security agencies is related to National Leader Heydar Aliyev.
During his time working in the security system, he formed a new
approach based on national interests. Appointed to lead the
security agencies in 1967, Heydar Aliyev began radical reforms in
this field. His main goal was the nationalization of the security
system and the promotion of local personnel. At that time, the fact
that Azerbaijanis were a minority in high positions was a serious
issue. Under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev, this stereotype was
changed, and there was a significant increase in the number of
national personnel. This policy was not limited to personnel
changes. He also organized more professional and systematic
activities of the security agencies. Personnel training,
strengthening discipline, improving operational activities, and the
protection of national interests became key aspects of his policy,"
he noted.
Garayev pointed out that after Azerbaijan regained its
independence in 1991, one of the country’s most important tasks was
the reconstruction of the national security system.
"The state was newly established, conflicts continued in the
region, and internal political stability was not fully ensured. In
such conditions, the creation of a strong security system was of
vital importance. After the return of Heydar Aliyev to power,
systematic reforms began in the security sector. The state security
structures were formed in line with modern-day requirements. During
this period, the main priorities of the security system were the
protection of state independence, the provision of internal
stability, and the prevention of external threats," he noted.
According to him, precisely due to the initiative of Heydar
Aliyev, in 1998, the State Security Academy was established to
ensure the training of professional personnel for security
agencies.
"The establishment of the academy was an important step in
further strengthening the national security system and training
local, professional personnel. This educational institution
prepares officers with modern knowledge and high-level training,
who then serve in responsible positions to protect state security.
Today, graduates of the academy work in various structures of the
State Security Service, making significant contributions to
strengthening the country's security. This is one of the real
results of the farsighted policy of Heydar Aliyev in the field of
security," he said.
The analyst emphasized that a new phase in the development of
Azerbaijan’s security agencies began during President Ilham
Aliyev’s period. During this time, the security system was
completely restructured to meet modern requirements.
"The reforms implemented in 2015 were a turning point in the
security sector. As a result of these reforms, the State Security
Service and the Foreign Intelligence Service were established. This
step made the security system more flexible and effective in its
operations. The new institutions were equipped with modern
technologies, personnel training was strengthened, and
international cooperation was expanded. Today, Azerbaijan's
security system is considered one of the strongest and most
professional structures in the region," he noted.
According to him, the Second Karabakh War in 2020 once again
demonstrated the strength and professionalism of Azerbaijan’s
security agencies. The war was won not only through military force
but also through intelligence and information superiority.
"Security agencies played a crucial role in identifying enemy
plans in advance, gathering operational information, and
transmitting it to the military leadership. The application of
modern technologies, the protection of information security, and
the fight against disinformation became key aspects of the
activities of these agencies. As a result of this activity, the
Azerbaijani army carried out more effective and precise operations
during the war. The correct and timely presentation of intelligence
information had a direct impact on the outcome of the war," the
analyst noted.
Garayev highlighted that after the Second Karabakh War, the
activities of security agencies were further strengthened.
"Ensuring security in the liberated territories, neutralizing
illegal armed groups, and restoring state control became one of the
main tasks of these agencies. Security agencies played a key role
in preventing separatist activities, eliminating terrorist threats,
and ensuring stability in the region. After the full restoration of
Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, new and more responsible tasks emerged
for the security system," Garayev noted.
The analyst underscored that in today’s world, the concept of
security carries a broader meaning than in previous years.
"Threats are no longer limited to the military domain.
Information warfare, cybersecurity, transnational crime, terrorism,
and other risks pose new challenges for states. Azerbaijan’s
security agencies are adapting their activities to these
challenges. Measures taken in the field of cybersecurity, expanding
international cooperation, and operations conducted in the fight
against terrorism prove that these agencies are meeting modern
demands. Azerbaijan’s geopolitical position and strategic
importance also enhance the role of the country’s security system.
Today, Azerbaijan’s intelligence agencies cooperate closely with
security organizations from many countries. This cooperation
contributes to maintaining regional stability and resolving global
security issues," he said.
According to him, international forums, conferences, and joint
operations demonstrate that Azerbaijan’s security system has gained
worldwide recognition. This proves the strengthening of both the
country’s political influence and its security system.
"The activities of security agencies are usually not in the
public eye. Much of their work is of a secret nature. However, it
is through these activities that stability is maintained in the
country, state security is ensured, and the security of the people
is defended. The personnel of these agencies sometimes risk their
lives to protect the state’s interests. Their work is one of the
main pillars of the state’s strength. Azerbaijan’s security system
has become a strong, modern, and professional structure today," the
analyst said.
Garayev noted that March 28 is not just a professional holiday,
but also an important page in Azerbaijan’s statehood history.
"The 107-year path has shown that security agencies are one of
the main pillars of the country’s independence and stability. The
solid foundation laid by Heydar Aliyev, the modernization policies
implemented by President Ilham Aliyev, and the historic victory in
the Second Karabakh War further prove the power and importance of
these agencies. Today, personnel of Azerbaijan’s special service
agencies celebrate their professional holiday with pride. They
continue to serve with success in protecting the state’s security
and ensuring the welfare and stability of the people, adapting
their activities to modern challenges. Azerbaijan’s security system
will continue to play a key role in the country’s strengthening and
the protection of national interests," the analyst added.
