Since the beginning of 2026, at least 17 military personnel have died in Azerbaijan’s security and defense sector. These deaths were recorded as non-combat losses.

The information was provided to Abzas Media by the Caspian Defense Studies Institute (CDSI).

According to the organization’s media monitoring, during the elapsed period of the current year, 3 military personnel died from various diseases, 2 by suicide, 5 in car accidents, 2 in accidents, and 1 due to negligence. The cause of death for 4 others has not been disclosed.

“Of those who lost their lives, 12 were from the Ministry of Defense, 3 from the State Border Service, 1 from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and 1 from the State Service for Mobilization and Conscription.

Three were soldiers, 2 were officers, 2 were warrant officers, 3 were extended-service servicemen, and 2 were cadets. It was not possible to determine the military rank of the remaining individuals.”

According to CDSI, at least 5 military personnel have been injured in car accidents so far in 2026.

The institute also notes an increase in losses compared to the same period last year. Specifically, 13 military personnel had died by May 5 in 2025, compared to 11 in the same period of 2024.

Overall, Azerbaijan’s security and defense sector lost 51 military personnel in 2024 and at least 43 in 2025.