Two Iranians shot dead by Azerbaijani border guards

Azerbaijani border guards shot dead early on Tuesday two Iranians who illegally entered the country with the aim of smuggling alcohol back into Iran, Azerbaijan's Interior Ministry said.

BAKU, April 22 (RIA Novosti) - Azerbaijani border guards shot dead early on Tuesday two Iranians who illegally entered the country with the aim of smuggling alcohol back into Iran, Azerbaijan's Interior Ministry said.

The ministry's press service said three Azerbaijani accomplices met the Iranians near the border to hand over the goods. On being apprehended by border guards, the Iranians opened fire, and were killed in the return fire.

The three Azerbaijanis escaped, but were later detained in a search operation, the statement said. An investigation into the incident is underway.