Tribute to a Coalition Partner ~ Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan Flag and Map

HADITHA DAM, Iraq (Jan. 2, 2006) - Azerbaijani Army company commanding officer, Maj. Ramiz Eyubov, accepts a plaque on behalf of his company from Maj. Gen. Richard A. Huck, the commanding general for 2nd Marine Division during a visit here Jan. 2. Huck presented the plaque as a token of appreciation to the Azerbaijan Army for great work while supporting 2nd Marine Division for the past year. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adam C. Schnell)

HADITHA DAM, Iraq (Jan. 2, 2006) - Major Gen. Richard A. Huck, the commanding general for 2nd Marine Division, talks to Azerbaijani troops during a visit here Jan. 2. Huck met with the troops to congratulate them on a job well done while supporting 2nd Marine Division in Operation Iraqi Freedom. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adam C. Schnell)

Azerbaijani soldiers take a break while pulling security at Haditha Dam, Feb. 27. The Azerbaijani army, which has served with Marines since about 2004, provides security for the dam, a large man-made lake located in Haditha, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Tyrone C. Marshall Jr., Task Force Lightning Public Affairs)

The scene at Haditha Dam and Lake Qadisiyah is peaceful thanks to the Azerbaijani army which provides security for the area in Haditha, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Tyrone C. Marshall Jr., Task Force Lightning Public Affairs)

Azerbaijan is a member of the Coalition in the War on Terror. It is supporting operations in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Azerbaijan has provided overflight permission for Coalition Forces, information exchange and has contributed troops to both operations.

In Operation Enduring Freedom, Azerbaijan has provided an infantry platoon.

In Operation Iraqi Freedom, Azerbaijan has provided an infantry platoon and has representatives at USCENTCOM and at CJTF (Combined Joint Task Force). Their troops in Iraq have been charged with security at Haditha Dam since 2004, and work with the Marines stationed there. They search dam workers and vehicles as they arrive to protect the dam's infrastructure and man observation posts that provide over watch of the large, man-made lake, Lake Qadisiyah. This frees the Marines to patrol the cities and main supply routes. They have received many accolades from the Marines for their diligence.

This small country - about the size of Maine (about 1/3 the size of Oregon), has a population of 8.5 million. It is a secular country, predominatly a Muslim, and also has Christians and Jews. This emerging democracy is a Presidential Republic. Mostly mountainous, it has a mere 7% arable land.

Thank you, Azerbaijan, for your support in the War on Terror, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. We value your friendship.