Karabakh: On the anniversary of the 1997 “Khojavend Operation,” a visit was organized to the site where seven soldiers were martyred, honoring their memory with a commemoration event, APA’s correspondent in Karabakh reports. This solemn occasion brought together martyr families, veterans, and disabled veterans, organized by the Organization for War, Labor and Armed Forces Veterans of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, attendees visited a memorial corner dedicated to the Khojavend operation martyrs in Yukhari Guzlek village. The event featured the State Anthem played by a military orchestra, and speakers recounted the honorable combat paths of the soldiers. The operation, launched on April 7, 1997, involved two reconnaissance groups dispatched to the Khojavend district by the Ministry of Defense’s Intelligence Directorate of Azerbaijan. Their mission was to gather intelligence on Armenian forces, including manpower, military equipment, and fortifications.
The first group successfully completed its mission without casualties. However, the second group, led by Lieutenant Elkhan Aghayev and comprising Lieutenant Vugar Yarahmadov, and soldiers Anar Rzayev, Dinar Musatafayev, and Agil Ahmadov, encountered adversity. After traveling approximately 40-50 kilometers from the Fuzuli district’s Horadiz direction, the group was detected by the enemy in the Yukhari Guzlek village area while returning.
Encircled by Armenian forces and refusing to surrender, intense fighting broke out. Sergeant Agil Ahmadov was severely wounded and presumed martyred by his comrades. The remaining seven soldiers, running out of ammunition, chose to detonate hand grenades to avoid capture. Ahmadov, who was unconscious, was captured by the Armenians.
The bodies of the martyred soldiers were retrieved six months later and interred in Baku’s Second Martyrs’ Alley. Each was posthumously awarded the “Azerbaijan Flag” order by President Heydar Aliyev. Ahmadov, captured by the Armenians, faced trial in February 1998 and was sentenced to death. However, diplomatic efforts led by the Azerbaijani government and President Aliyev secured his release in March 1999 through a prisoner exchange.
During the commemorative speeches, the successful liberation of Azerbaijani lands by the Azerbaijani Army under Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev was highlighted. The restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and the return of life to liberated territories were emphasized, with former IDPs reuniting with their homeland.
Following the liberation of lands during the Patriotic War, a fountain was erected at the site where the Khojavend operation martyrs fell, accompanied by a symbolic corner created in their memory.