Azerbaijan records 25 non-combat military deaths so far this year

At least 25 Azerbaijani servicemen have died in non-combat circumstances during the first six months of 2026, according to a regional military monitoring group.

The figures, compiled by the Caspian Defence Studies Institute (CDSI) and shared with the independent outlet Abzas Media, indicate that none of the registered deaths in the country's security and defence sectors were related to active conflict.

The report comes amid ongoing concerns over safety conditions and non-combat casualties in the armed forces of both Azerbaijan and neighbouring Armenia.

Among the most recent cases recorded by the institute was that of Ilham Shirinov, a soldier in the National Guard, who drowned on 16 June while swimming in the Tovuz River in the Dondar Qushchu village of Tovuz district.

Three days later, on 19 June, Samandar Taghiyev, a 37-year-old serviceman, died from carbon monoxide poisoning at his home in the Julfa district of Nakhchivan.

Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence and other relevant state bodies have not yet released official statements regarding these specific incidents.

According to the CDSI's media monitoring, the causes of the 25 deaths recorded this year include:

Six deaths resulting from vehicle accidents

Five from domestic or service-related accidents (including drowning, landslides, and gas poisoning)

Four from illnesses

Four suspected suicides

One from negligence

The causes of death for five of the servicemen remain unexplained.

The majority of the deceased—15 individuals—served with the Ministry of Defence, while six were with the State Border Service. The remaining casualties belonged to the Internal Troops, the Presidential Security Service, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the State Service for Mobilization and Conscription.

The monitor also noted that eight of those who died were conscripted soldiers, while the remainder included officers, warrant officers, cadets, and extended-service personnel.

At least eight other servicemen were reported injured in various incidents during the same period, including two wounded by landmines.

In Armenia, independent research organisations reported at least five military deaths during the first half of 2026.

All five casualties were personnel serving with the Armenian Ministry of Defence. The reported causes of death included three cases of suicide or incitement to suicide, one training accident, and one case involving the violation of weapon handling safety rules.

Observers note that Armenian military loss figures may be adjusted when comprehensive independent reports are published early next year.

The figures for both countries represent a downward trend compared to the previous year. In 2025, Azerbaijan's security and defence sector recorded at least 43 non-combat deaths, whilst Armenia recorded 35 deaths, according to data from the Helsinki Citizens' Assembly-Vanadzor (HCAV).

HCAV, which compiles its data through public media, official sources, and direct queries to state authorities, reported that illness and transport accidents were the leading causes of Armenian military deaths in 2025.

Meanwhile, no active-service military deaths or casualties have been officially or unofficially reported in Georgia for either 2025 or 2026. While several Georgian citizens have been reported killed or wounded fighting in Ukraine, Tbilisi classifies these individuals as volunteers rather than active members of the Georgian armed forces.