BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 20. As previously
reported, several anti-Azerbaijani elements
living abroad aggressively and provocatively attempted to enter the
hotel where Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was staying.


They attempted to break through the security cordon and force
their way into the hotel, attracting attention with their rather
unethical behavior and using language consistent with their moral
principles.


The Azerbaijani Presidential Security Service, together with
American police, quickly intervened, professionally neutralized
these individuals, and prevented the attempted sabotage.


The Azerbaijani Embassy in the United States issued a statement
regarding the incident, Trend reports.


"On 19 February 2026, a group of protestors committed
provocative actions outside the Waldorf Astoria hotel in
Washington, D.C., during the visit of H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev,
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to the United States to
attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace.


When the Presidential motorcade approached the hotel area, the
protesters violently attempted to enter the protected area and took
offensive actions against the Presidential vehicle. This group also
used indecent expressions against the leadership of Azerbaijan.


The Presidential Security Service had no choice but to
immediately intervene, since any attempt to obstruct or physically
interfere with a protected vehicle carrying the head of state
constitutes a serious security concern. Protective responses, as a
standard practice, were aimed solely at ensuring the safety and
security.


Moreover, as publicly stated by the U.S. Secret Service, the
hotel area was included within the official security perimeter.


Therefore, we resolutely reject any attempt to mischaracterize
and disseminate allegations on the security measures taken in
response to actions targeting a country's leader and a protected
motorcade.


Azerbaijan's security personnel always operate in strict
coordination with the host country.


We urge responsible reporting and caution against drawing
conclusions based on unverified claims," the statement reads.


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