BAKU, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Azerbaijan and Turkey on Wednesday launched a large-scale joint military exercise that will feature the two countries' air and ground forces.
Lasting about two weeks, the drill started with the activities of air forces, including helicopters and warplanes in Baku, Nakhchivan, Ganja, Kurdamir and Yevlakh, according to Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry.
The exercise will then continue with the maneuvers of ground forces in Baku and Nakhchivan from Aug. 1 to 5. This will include live-fire training involving mortars, armed vehicles, and cannons striking simulated targets.
The whole drill will end on Aug. 10, according to the ministry.
The drill is held amid tense clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia along their border, which happened more than two weeks ago, claiming numerous lives on both sides.
Ankara affirmed its full support to Baku immediately after the border clashes erupted on July 12. The two countries have traded accusations ever since over which side started the fighting and violated ceasefire. Enditem
