Ministry of National Security abolished, 2 new agencies created instead

Two new agencies were established instead: The State Security Service and the Foreign Intelligence Service.

Madat Quliyev, the first deputy minister of national security, was appointed head of the State Security Service. Orxan Sultanov was named as head of the Foreign Intelligence Service.

President Aliyev fired his longtime National Security Minister Eldar Mahmudov in a surprise move in October. 

The dismissal was followed by arrests of senior ministry officials, including at least four generals, on charges of abuse of office and embezzlement.