Colonel Suret Huseynov Launches Armed Rebellion Against President Elchibey

GANJA, Azerbaijan - Colonel Suret Huseynov, commander of Azerbaijan’s 709th Brigade, launched an armed rebellion against President Abulfaz Elchibey today, beginning a march toward Baku with thousands of troops as the country teeters on the edge of civil war.

The rebellion, brewing since Huseynov’s dismissal from the army in February, erupted when government forces attempted to disarm his private militia in Ganja. Instead of surrendering, Huseynov’s well-equipped forces routed loyalist units and seized control of Azerbaijan’s second-largest city.

“Elchibey has destroyed our nation through incompetence and delusion,” Huseynov declared to cheering supporters. “While he recited poetry, we lost our lands. Real patriots must save Azerbaijan from complete destruction.”

The timing couldn’t be worse for Azerbaijan, already reeling from military defeats. Armenian forces watch with satisfaction as their enemy turns against itself.

From War Hero to Rebel

Huseynov, 34, built his reputation as one of Azerbaijan’s few successful commanders, leading the 709th Brigade in early battles. His business empire, built on war profiteering and control of military supplies, made him wealthy and powerful.

“Suret commanded the only unit that actually fought effectively,” explains former officer Natig Aliyev. “When Elchibey tried to dismiss him for insubordination, soldiers chose their commander over their president.”

The colonel’s forces, better equipped than government units, include tanks, artillery, and experienced fighters loyal to their charismatic leader rather than distant Baku politicians.

Government Paralysis

Elchibey’s response demonstrates his government’s weakness. Appeals for loyalty go unheeded as military units declare neutrality or join the rebellion. The president’s democratic legitimacy means nothing to soldiers who haven’t been paid in months.

“We’re asked to fight our brothers for a government that sent us to die without weapons,” states government soldier Farid Guliyev before defecting. “At least Huseynov feeds his men.”

Interior Minister Iskandar Hamidov, one of Elchibey’s few capable commanders, attempts to organize resistance but finds few willing fighters. The state’s monopoly on violence evaporated months ago.

Regional Strongman

Huseynov represents new breed of post-Soviet strongman - mixing military force, business acumen, and populist appeal. His control of Ganja gives him economic base and strategic position threatening Baku.

“He’s offering order through strength after chaos through democracy,” analyzes political scientist Hikmet Hajizade. “For desperate people, that’s appealing.”

The colonel’s propaganda emphasizes Elchibey’s failures - lost territories, economic collapse, international isolation. Simple message resonates: strength succeeds where weakness failed.

Domino Effect

Huseynov’s rebellion triggers nationwide collapse of government authority. Regional commanders declare independence or neutrality. Tax collection ceases. Border posts abandon positions.

“The state is disintegrating,” admits presidential advisor Hafiz Pashayev. “We control some buildings in Baku, nothing more.”

In Nakhchivan, former Soviet leader Heydar Aliyev positions himself as alternative, neither supporting Elchibey nor Huseynov but preparing for opportunity.

Armenian Opportunity

Armenian forces exploit Azerbaijan’s civil conflict, launching limited offensives while their enemy self-destructs. The capture of Agdam appears imminent as defending units withdraw or defect.

“Why attack when they’re destroying themselves?” remarks Armenian commander Samvel Babayan. “Every day of their civil war strengthens our positions.”

The international community watches helplessly as negotiated solutions become impossible with no legitimate Azerbaijani authority to negotiate with.

Popular Exhaustion

Ordinary Azerbaijanis express exhaustion rather than supporting either side. Three years of defeats, economic collapse, and political chaos have drained hope.

“Elchibey or Huseynov - what difference?” sighs Baku resident Elmira Hasanova. “We’ll still be refugees from our own lands, still be poor, still be defeated.”

The democratic enthusiasm of 1992 has curdled into bitter cynicism. Survival trumps political ideals when state collapse threatens.

International Calculations

Regional powers calculate opportunities in Azerbaijan’s chaos. Russia sees chance to restore influence through military intervention. Turkey faces dilemma of supporting democratic ally or accepting strongman reality.

“Azerbaijan is becoming a failed state,” warns U.S. analyst Paul Goble. “That creates vacuums filled by worst actors - warlords, extremists, foreign intervention.”

Iran mobilizes border forces, fearing refugee floods and conflict spillover. Georgia watches nervously as its neighbor disintegrates.

March on Baku

As Huseynov’s forces begin advancing toward the capital, government resistance crumbles. Military units defect en masse. Police disappear from streets.

“We’re not rebels - we’re patriots saving Azerbaijan from traitors,” proclaims Huseynov’s spokesman. “Baku will welcome its liberators.”

The colonel demands Elchibey’s immediate resignation and punishment of “those responsible for national catastrophe.” His terms leave no room for compromise.

Democracy’s Death

Azerbaijan’s democratic experiment, barely one year old, faces extinction. The intellectual president who promised Western integration confronts the warlord offering order through force.

“Democracy requires minimal state capacity and social trust,” reflects academic Zardusht Alizade. “Azerbaijan has neither. We’re reverting to traditional strongman rule.”

The Popular Front’s idealistic vision crashes against war’s harsh realities. Poetry and principles prove inadequate against bullets and hunger.

Countdown to Collapse

As night falls, Elchibey huddles with remaining advisors while Huseynov’s advance continues. The president who refused Russian help against Armenians now faces Russian-backed internal enemies.

Government broadcasts appeal for calm while explosion echo through Baku. Army units guard strategic points with unclear loyalties. The capital awaits its fate.

“We’re watching state suicide,” observes veteran journalist Thomas Goltz. “Azerbaijan is destroying itself more effectively than Armenia ever could.”

Tomorrow may bring Huseynov’s triumphant entry into Baku or last-minute compromise. Either way, Azerbaijan’s first democratic chapter closes in failure. The nation that began independence with such hope now tears itself apart, gifting victory to patient enemies.

The colonel from Ganja has begun his march. Whether he saves or further destroys Azerbaijan remains to be seen. But Elchibey’s presidency - and Azerbaijan’s democracy - already lie in ruins along the road to Baku.