Special forces from Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have taken part in joint military training in Uzbekistan, practising hostage rescues, reconnaissance and operations behind simulated enemy lines.
Azerbaijan’s Defence Ministry announced the “Eternal Brotherhood–V” exercise in a statement on 6 October, saying it aimed to strengthen regional security and military cooperation between the three Turkic nations. The training focused on sharing experience and improving the forces’ ability to plan and carry out operations together.
According to the ministry, troops conducted missions in mountainous terrain and populated areas, seized key facilities and practised protecting strategic sites. They also carried out daytime and nighttime firing exercises using small arms, sniper rifles and specialist equipment.
The ministry said Azerbaijani personnel had demonstrated “a high level of combat readiness and professionalism”. Azerbaijan’s Special Forces commander, Major General Alakbar Jahangirov, observed the final phase, while personnel who distinguished themselves received awards.
The announcement comes after a separate, larger exercise involving the same three countries in Azerbaijan.
Euronews reported that more than 3,500 troops participated in “Power of Unity–2026”, with training across locations including Karabakh, Baku, Nakhchivan and Azerbaijan’s part of the Caspian Sea.
Those drills included responses to drone attacks, cyberattacks and online disinformation, alongside land, air and maritime operations. Forces also practised freeing a vessel and an offshore facility and rescuing hostages.
Speaking about that exercise, Türkiye’s Defence Minister Yaşar Güler stressed the importance of readiness while maintaining peace.
“We will prepare in the best possible way, but we will live in peace,” he said, according to Euronews.
All images from the “Eternal Brotherhood–V” joint miitary exercise in Uzbekistan, Oct. 2026. Photo © Azerbaijan Ministry of Defence
