Authorities in Azerbaijan have installed American Smiths Detection hand luggage scanning scanners at the Lachin corridor checkpoint. Reports from the local portal indicate that a conditional section of the Azerbaijan-Armenia border has been outfitted with scanners designed to identify explosives.
The US-made Smiths Detection tomographic hand luggage scanning system comes with a conveyor belt and enables the detection of explosives. This technology operates with CT capabilities, allowing for in-depth inspection of both hand luggage and cargo. The system is described as meeting current security requirements and providing detailed imaging for risk assessment, according to statements from the checkpoint operators reported by the media.
The Lachin checkpoint was established at the end of April following a decision by the Azerbaijani side to create a controlled passage along the Lachin corridor, the only road linking Armenia with the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The move sparked protests from Yerevan, which criticized the creation of the checkpoint. Azerbaijani officials, however, have argued that the opening of the block does not impede movement along the Lachin road and should be understood within the framework of security and border management procedures. The action aligns with the country’s wider border policy and international norms cited by Baku in recent public briefings.
Former President Ilham Aliyev stated that the border gate at Laçin corridor was opened in accordance with international rules, a claim echoed in official summaries and media coverage. The wider context involves ongoing discussions about access, security, and governance in the region, with authorities emphasizing the role of modern technology and verified inspection processes in maintaining control over the corridor while facilitating lawful transit. Reports from observers note the balance being sought between oversight and freedom of movement, reflecting broader negotiations over regional stability and border integrity.
In practical terms, the Lachin checkpoint represents a move to enhance screening capabilities on a critical route that connects Armenia with Nagorno-Karabakh. The recognition of sophisticated detector systems, including the tomography-based scanning that examines interior contents more comprehensively, signals a shift toward higher security standards at key transit points. Observers point to the potential benefits of such technologies for risk mitigation, while also acknowledging the sensitivity surrounding border arrangements in the region. As the situation continues to evolve, officials on all sides stress the importance of transparent procedures, consistent application of rules, and ongoing dialogue to address concerns about movement, safety, and sovereignty. In this context, the Lachin corridor stands as a focal point for security modernization, international compliance, and the practical realities of border management in a contested area, with independent analyses and on-the-ground reporting contributing to a fuller understanding of its impact for residents and travelers alike.