Eyewitness to Shusha occupation: Bombs rained down on us

During proceedings at the Baku Military Court on April 24, victim Ilham Hasanov recounted the occupation of Azerbaijan's city of Shusha in 1992 by Armenian forces.

Ilham Hasanov shared that his brother, Rovshan Hasanov, went missing during the night of 7-8 May 1992 in Shusha, Caliber.Az reports, referencing local media.

He also noted that he had left behind a furnished two-bedroom apartment on N. Narimanov Street in Shusha.

“At that time, bombs fell on Shusha like rain,” Hasanov said, describing the horrors of the city's occupation.

Moreover, documents detailing the events leading to the occupation of Shusha were examined, shedding light on the military aggression by Armenian forces. According to state prosecutors, Shusha and surrounding villages were subjected to repeated attacks using rockets and artillery, resulting in numerous Azerbaijani casualties, including deaths, injuries, and hostage-taking. Armenian forces also targeted civilian infrastructure, including water pipelines, schools, hospitals, and homes, causing extensive damage. Criminal cases were opened in response to these attacks.

Among the key events reviewed were the Malibeyli and Gushchular massacres. The court also examined the downing of a Ministry of Internal Affairs helicopter near Goytala on April 4, 1991, which was fired upon by Armenian forces, injuring passengers. Additionally, a protocol concerning the downing of a passenger helicopter on January 28, 1992, was discussed. The "MI-8T" helicopter, shot down by Armenian forces near Khankendi, resulted in the deaths of 42 people.

The ongoing trial in Baku involves Armenian citizens accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and waging of aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing of terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and numerous other crimes. The trial will continue on April 25.

Note that, Shusha, a city of cultural and strategic importance in Azerbaijan, was liberated from Armenian occupation on November 8, 2020, during the Second Karabakh War. The Azerbaijani Armed Forces, led by President Ilham Aliyev, carried out a carefully planned operation through dense forests and steep terrain to reclaim the city, despite intense resistance, including the use of Iskander missiles by Armenian forces. The operation led to the collapse of the Armenian military’s position in the region.

During its occupation from May 8, 1992, to November 8, 2020, Shusha and its 30 surrounding villages suffered extensive destruction. Approximately 195 civilians were killed, 165 wounded, and 58 went missing. Over 24,000 residents were displaced, and many cultural landmarks, such as mosques and historical manuscripts, were destroyed.

Since the liberation, Azerbaijan has launched major restoration and development projects in Shusha. 

By Aghakazim Guliyev