One year of victory: Azerbaijan’s anti-terror operation in Karabakh

Today, September 19, marks one year since the Azerbaijani Armed Forces conducted localized anti-terrorist operations in the Karabakh region of the country.

Caliber.Az recalls that the anti-terrorist operations were carried out to ensure the implementation of the provisions of the trilateral statement, to prevent large-scale provocations in the Karabakh economic region, to disarm and withdraw Armenian armed forces units from Azerbaijani territory, to neutralize their military infrastructure, and to ensure the safety of civilians returning to the liberated territories, as well as those involved in restoration work, Azerbaijani military personnel, and to restore Azerbaijan's constitutional order.

During the anti-terrorist operations, which lasted only 23 hours and 43 minutes, high-precision weapons were used to disable the forward and deep positions of Armenian armed forces units, long-term firing points, as well as combat equipment and military installations. As a result, Armenian separatists were forced to "raise the white flag."

On September 20, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, addressed the nation and announced the full restoration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty following the successful completion of localized anti-terror operations. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief highlighted the exceptional professionalism and high moral character demonstrated by Azerbaijani soldiers and officers.

In his address, the president expressed deep regret over the loss of life during the operations: "May Allah rest the souls of our martyrs in peace! We have wounded soldiers and officers. May Allah grant recovery to them. They sacrificed their lives for the Motherland, justice, and Azerbaijan's sovereignty. Their blessed memory will live forever in our hearts."

The head of state also issued a stern warning to those who look down on Azerbaijan or covet its lands: "Those who despise our land, and those who set their sights on our lands should never forget that the Iron Fist is in place and will always be! No one can speak to us in the language of dictate and ultimatums! Let no one forget this! Don't forget that Karabakh is Azerbaijan!"

Immediately following the anti-terror operations, representatives of the Armenian community residing in Karabakh, who had previously refused to meet with Azerbaijani officials on multiple occasions, were forced to agree to a meeting held in the city of Yevlakh. The discussions focused on dismantling the separatist regime and the reintegration of Armenians living in Karabakh. At the same time, the Armenian population of Karabakh was given the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the reintegration terms offered by Azerbaijan and decide whether to remain in the region or not. On September 28, 2023, Samvel Shahramanyan, head of the separatist regime in Karabakh, signed a document officially dissolving the so-called regime.

As a result of the anti-terror operation, which lasted less than 24 hours, the illegal Armenian military presence on Azerbaijani territory was fully disarmed and left the country. The unlawful junta regime in Karabakh was dismantled. Additionally, due to the efforts of Azerbaijani special services and law enforcement agencies, the main leaders of the separatists were arrested.

As a result of the anti-terror operations, Azerbaijan's state sovereignty and constitutional order were fully restored across the country.

On October 15, 2023, President Ilham Aliyev visited the city of Khankendi, as well as the Khojavend, Shusha, Khojaly, and Aghdara districts. During his visit, he raised the Azerbaijani flag at the Asgaran Fortress. On November 8 of the same year, a military parade was held in Khankendi to mark the third anniversary of the Victory in the Second Karabakh War.

Currently, reconstruction and development efforts are underway in the territories liberated from occupation, in line with the strategic roadmap approved by President Ilham Aliyev. Displaced persons are gradually returning to their ancestral lands. It is certain that all projects related to the revival of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur will be successfully implemented, transforming these regions into beautiful parts of Azerbaijan.