Azerbaijan Commemorates Four Years Since Liberation of Sugovushan and Talish Villages
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Today, Azerbaijan marks the fourth anniversary of the liberation of the villages of Sugovushan and Talish in the Aghdara district from Armenian occupation. On October 3, 2020, during the Second Karabakh War, the Azerbaijani army successfully reclaimed both villages, raising the national tricolor flag in a momentous victory that underscored Azerbaijan’s determination to restore its territorial integrity.
Sugovushan, originally bearing this name before being renamed during the Soviet era, was first liberated by Azerbaijani forces during the 1991-1992 conflict. However, in April 1994, it was reoccupied by Armenian forces, leading to a prolonged occupation that lasted for over two decades. During this period, the Armenian military established significant military presences in Sugovushan, including units such as Military Unit No. 49971, one of Armenia’s most highly regarded military formations in the Karabakh region. Another unit, Military Unit No. 33651, also referred to as the “6th Defense District,” was stationed in Sugovushan.
The battle for Sugovushan is considered a pivotal moment in the Second Karabakh War, marking a key victory for Azerbaijani forces on the northeastern front. During intense fighting in the Sugovushan-Aghdara direction, the Azerbaijani army destroyed four tanks belonging to Armenia’s 77th tank battalion and captured three others as trophies. Additionally, Azerbaijani artillery strikes inflicted heavy losses on the Armenian forces, including the destruction of four combat vehicles belonging to the 5th Mountain Rifle Regiment. The regiment suffered severe casualties, with many Armenian troops abandoning their positions.
On October 3, 2021, in recognition of the historical significance of the victory, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev officially renamed the village Sugovushan, restoring its original name. That same day, President Aliyev personally raised the Azerbaijani flag in both Sugovushan and Talish, symbolizing the nation’s triumph and the end of the occupation.
In addition to the liberation of Sugovushan and Talish, Azerbaijan also freed the villages of Mehdili, Chakhirli, Ashagi Maralyan, Shaybey, Guyjag in the Jabrayil district, and Ashagi Abdurrahmanli in the Fuzuli district on October 3, 2020. These victories are commemorated annually as significant milestones in Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its occupied territories.
As the nation reflects on this historic day, the courage and resilience of the Azerbaijani army remain a source of pride and a testament to Azerbaijan’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty.