Horadiz: Azerbaijani border service personnel detected unauthorized excavation activities being carried out by Iranian citizens at the base structure of the Khudafarin Bridge. The incident occurred on May 11 at approximately 04:00, as reported by the Press Center of the State Border Service.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the suspicious movements of unknown individuals were observed in the service area of the "Horadiz" border detachment, part of the Border Troops Command of the State Border Service. Four individuals were seen entering the Khudafarin Bridge from Iran and proceeding to the section of the bridge located within Azerbaijan, where they commenced excavation work on the bridge's columns.

The Azerbaijani border guards, tasked with safeguarding the state border, promptly intervened and notified the Iranian border authorities about the incident. As the Azerbaijani border patrol approached, one of the violators jumped into the Araz River, while the remaining three retreated and were detained on Iranian territory.

An inspection at the scene revealed the excavation tools used by the individuals, which were subsequently seized by Azerbaijani officials. The Iranian authorities confirmed that the detained individuals are citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Efforts are underway to locate the individual who leaped into the Araz River, with both Azerbaijani and Iranian parties actively participating in the search. Operational and investigative measures are continuing to address the situation.