Azerbaijan’s president, first lady share heartfelt tributes on the 33rd anniversary of Khojaly massacre VIDEO

Today marks the 33rd anniversary of the Khojaly Genocide, an event that stands as one of the most tragic and violent episodes in modern history.

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has shared a heartfelt video in remembrance of the Khojaly Genocide, per Caliber.Az.

Azerbaijan's First Vice President, Mehriban Aliyeva, also marked the occasion with a moving post on social media, honouring the memory of the victims.

The Khojaly Genocide, along with the city's occupation by Armenian armed forces, remains one of the darkest chapters in Azerbaijan’s history. On the night of February 26, 1992, Armenian forces, with support from the 366th Soviet regiment, launched an unforgiving assault on the city, leaving behind a trail of unimaginable violence. Hundreds of innocent civilians — including women, children, and the elderly — fell victim to a massacre that is still remembered as one of the most horrific acts during the Karabakh conflict.

The aftermath of this bloodshed was catastrophic. A staggering 613 civilians were killed, including 106 women, 63 children, and 70 elderly individuals. The violence didn’t stop with the loss of life; 1,275 people were taken hostage, and to this day, the whereabouts of 150 individuals remain unknown. Those who survived faced lives filled with suffering: 475 people were left disabled, while entire families were destroyed. Eight families were entirely wiped out, 25 children lost both parents, and 130 others were left orphaned.

As Azerbaijan observes this sombre anniversary, the memory of the Khojaly Genocide continues to echo through the nation’s history, a painful reminder of the brutality endured. This tragedy remains an urgent call for justice and global recognition of the atrocities that took place.

By Tamilla Hasanova