State Security Service conducts genetic identification of 327 missing persons

To date, the Military Medical Department of the State Security Service (SSS) of Azerbaijan has carried out genetic identification of 327 missing persons, Department Chief Major General Rufat Aliyev said at the international conference titled "Enhancing Cooperation and Advancing Modern Approaches in Addressing the Issue of Missing Persons," Report informs.

Aliyev recalled that genetic identification measures in the search for missing persons resulting from Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan have been conducted since 2022: "The department's genetic research laboratory, funded by the state, is equipped with modern technological devices that meet global standards. Despite advanced facilities, the training of genetic specialists, the correct selection of methods, and the search for new approaches are crucial to increasing the effectiveness of genetic identification."

He added that the passage of time and environmental factors have severely degraded bone samples recovered from discovered burial sites: "DNA fragmentation and chemical damage create serious obstacles to obtaining genetic profiles. Thanks to strengthened protocols and new methods, forensic experts have been able to overcome these challenges and carry out complex genetic tasks."