Baku: Azerbaijan marks the third anniversary of its local anti-terrorist measures in the Karabakh region, which began on September 19, 2020. These operations were initiated following months of rising tension due to systematic attacks and provocations by Armenian armed forces in the region.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Armenian forces had engaged in consistent firing on Azerbaijani positions, carried out mining activities, and enhanced their combat positions, contributing to the escalation.
Azerbaijani observations indicated that Armenian units were strengthening their combat readiness, expanding intelligence activities, and re-mining territories for terrorist purposes. A significant incident occurred on September 19, when a vehicle belonging to the State Agency of Azerbaijan Highways was destroyed by a mine on the Ahmedbeyli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway, resulting in civilian casualties. A similar attack on military personnel followed, prompting Azerbaijan to initiate local anti-terrorist measures.
The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan emphasized the threat posed by the continued presence of Armenian armed forces in the region, despite the provisions of the tripartite statement signed on November 10, 2020. The local anti-terrorist measures aimed to neutralize military infrastructure, disarm Armenian forces, and ensure the safety of returning civilians.
High-precision weapons were used to target Armenian military positions while avoiding civilian areas. On September 20, 2023, a ceasefire agreement was reached under conditions that required Armenian forces to disarm and withdraw, with coordination from the Russian peacekeeping contingent.
President Ilham Aliyev addressed the nation, highlighting the restoration of Azerbaijani sovereignty as a result of the operations. He praised the professionalism of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and reiterated the commitment to protecting civilians. Despite these measures, Azerbaijan mourned the loss of 192 servicemen.
Inspections in Karabakh revealed significant cach
es of mines and explosive devices, some manufactured in Armenia in 2021. Following the operations, a substantial array of military equipment and ammunition was confiscated.
The entity claiming governance in Karabakh announced its dissolution on September 28, 2023. Azerbaijan’s law enforcement agencies arrested former leaders of the so-called regime. Efforts began to reintegrate Armenian residents under Azerbaijani law, ensuring equal rights and security for all.
On October 15, 2023, President Aliyev raised the Azerbaijani flag in key locations across Karabakh, symbolizing a historic day for the nation. A military parade on November 8, 2023, commemorated the third anniversary of Azerbaijan’s victory in the Patriotic War.
The Russian Joint Monitoring Center ceased operations in April 2024, with the Russian peacekeeping contingent fully withdrawing from Azerbaijan. President Aliyev declared September 20 as a day of commemoration for cities in Karabakh.