Azerbaijani top official: Nearly nine cities destroyed during conflict with Armenia

Nearly nine Azerbaijani cities were almost completely destroyed during the conflict with Armenia, while more than 300 settlements and villages suffered severe damage, Presidential Aide Hikmet Hajiyev said on May 19. 

Speaking at the “Housing at the Centre of Global Coalitions” event held in Baku as part of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), the presidential aide said the liberated territories are now undergoing extensive reconstruction efforts, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

According to Hajiyev, many of the affected areas must be rebuilt entirely from scratch due to widespread devastation and heavy contamination from landmines and unexploded ordnance.

“The restoration process is starting from a negative point because the territories are severely contaminated with mines,” he said.

The aide stated that approximately 1.5 million mines and other explosive devices remain in the region, posing significant risks to civilians and slowing post-conflict recovery efforts.

He added that Azerbaijan is carrying out large-scale demining operations to ensure security and create safe living conditions for returning residents.

“The issue of security and living conditions is extremely important in the post-conflict recovery process,” he said.

The official also noted that Azerbaijan is exploring international experience and expertise to support the reconstruction and redevelopment of the liberated territories.

By Sabina Mammadli