The Internal Troops of Azerbaijan (Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan Respublikası Daxili Qoşunları), also known as Interior Troops or Interior Guard,^[2] is the uniformed gendarmerie-like force in Azerbaijan. Internal Troops are subordinated to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan (the police authority of the country).^[3] The Internal Troops are the descendant of the Soviet Union's Internal Troops, and are used to deal with internal emergencies such as natural disasters, restoring public order, internal armed conflicts and to safeguard important facilities. During wartime, the Internal Troops fall under the jurisdiction of the Azerbaijani Land Forces and fulfill tasks of local defense and security.^{[citation needed]} Other law enforcement bodies in Azerbaijan include the Azerbaijani National Guard and the State Border Service and its Coast Guard subcomponent. Founded in 1933, the Mubariz Keshikde newspaper informs the public about the activities of the internal troops.^[4]

In 1991, Azerbaijani Internal Troops was founded based on the decree of the president and later in 1994 activity areas of Internal Troops were determined by the law of the country on the Status of Internal Troops. 12 March is defined as a "Day of Internal Troops" by presidential decree dated 9 March 1995.^[5]

According to law, the Internal Troops perform the following tasks:

• Together with other internal affairs bodies in cities and other settlements act to protect the public, ensuring public safety during mass events including:
  • Important state and public events, and transportation of important persons;
  • Take part in the search and apprehension of intruders into protected areas;
• To supply the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with personnel to provide protection for storehouses and military bases;
• To supply the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with personnel to provide help in natural disasters and other similar situations;
• Aid in preventing mass riots in residential areas;
• To provide help to prevent mass riots in prisons;
• To search and apprehend fugitive convicts and arrested persons;
• If necessary, take part in the defense of the area.

Its equipment includes Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine guns.

The Commander of Internal Troops is a deputy director of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the chairman of the staff of internal troops. The main responsibilities of the commander are leading the internal troops, providing the preparation of mobilization and effective implementation of officers’ duties. Furthermore, according to the article 10, the commander is considered as a decision maker relating to the issues of internal troops.^[6]

First Nagorno-Karabakh War^[15]

2003 Azerbaijani protests

Operation Eagle^[16]

Guba riots

2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.^[17]

• OPON