Azerbaijan Marks One Year Since Local Anti-Terrorism Measures in Garabagh
Baku, The Gulf Observer: One year has passed since the Azerbaijani Army launched local anti-terrorism measures in the Garabagh region, following escalating tensions caused by Armenian armed forces. The NHC reported that months prior to the operation, Armenian forces stationed in the Garabagh region repeatedly attacked Azerbaijani positions with various weapons, engaged in mining activities, and expanded combat infrastructure. These actions heightened tensions, prompting Azerbaijan to take decisive action.
The Armenian armed forces’ activities included fortifying combat positions with personnel, armored vehicles, and artillery installations, as well as laying landmines aimed at Azerbaijani forces and civilians. On September 19, 2023, a landmine explosion along the Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway claimed the lives of Azerbaijani civilians and servicemen, further intensifying the situation.
In response, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense declared that the continued presence of Armenian military units in the Garabagh region, in violation of the 2020 trilateral statement, posed a significant threat to regional peace and stability. The Azerbaijani Army launched local anti-terrorism measures on September 19, targeting Armenian military positions and infrastructure. These operations, carried out with high precision, did not target civilian populations or infrastructure.
By September 20, 2023, an agreement was reached to cease the anti-terrorism measures, with Armenian forces agreeing to lay down arms, withdraw from military positions, and undergo full disarmament under the supervision of the Russian peacekeeping contingent.
In a national address on September 20, 2023, President Ilham Aliyev hailed the successful completion of the anti-terrorism measures and reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s restored sovereignty over the Garabagh region. He praised the Azerbaijani servicemen for their extraordinary professionalism and noted the destruction of Armenian military equipment and positions.
President Aliyev emphasized that the operation was conducted with strict orders to avoid harming civilians. “Our servicemen showed extraordinary heroism and professionalism, achieving significant military success in a short time,” said the President, adding that the operation was a necessary step to ensure the safety of civilians and the restoration of Azerbaijan’s constitutional order in the liberated territories.
On October 15, 2023, President Aliyev raised the Azerbaijani flag in key cities and areas of the Garabagh region, including Aghdara, Khojaly, Asgaran, and Khankandi. During a speech in Khankandi, he described the day as historic, noting the strength and resilience of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.
The successful anti-terrorism measures marked a critical moment in Azerbaijan’s efforts to reassert control over Garabagh, following the Patriotic War of 2020, in which Azerbaijan reclaimed vast territories. The brief operation, lasting only 23 hours, forced Armenian forces to surrender and underscored Azerbaijan’s military capabilities.
On November 8, 2023, a military parade was held in Khankandi to commemorate the third anniversary of the Victory in the Patriotic War. President Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and their son Heydar Aliyev attended the event.
Additionally, as part of a Memorandum signed between Türkiye and Russia, the Turkish-Russian Joint Monitoring Center in Aghdam, established in 2021 to monitor the ceasefire regime, ceased its activities on April 26, 2024. The Russian peacekeeping contingent has since fully withdrawn from Azerbaijan.
In recognition of Azerbaijan’s achievements, President Aliyev declared that September 20 would be celebrated annually as the day of Khankandi, Khojaly, Khojavend, and Aghdara cities.
