Organisation of Turkic States congratulates Azerbaijani people on Victory Day

On the occasion of Victory Day, the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Azerbaijani people on X page.

"On 8th November Victory Day, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the fraternal people, Armed Forces, and Government of Azerbaijan. Today commemorates the liberation of Shusha and the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and historical justice in the 44 Days Patriotic War," Caliber.Az reports, citing the message.

Notably, Azerbaijan marks November 8 as Victory Day, following President Ilham Aliyev's decree on December 3, 2020. This day commemorates the 44-day Second Karabakh War that began on September 27, 2020, when Azerbaijan launched the "Iron Fist" counter-offensive in response to significant Armenian provocations. The conflict ended nearly three decades of occupation and restored Azerbaijan's territorial integrity.

A crucial moment was the liberation of Shusha on November 8, a city of deep cultural significance and strategic importance. Known as the "crown of Karabakh," Shusha's natural defences made an armoured assault impractical. Instead, Azerbaijani forces advanced through challenging terrain, engaging in direct combat and securing victory without the extensive use of heavy weaponry to avoid destruction.

This victory led to the cessation of hostilities, formalised on November 10, 2020, with a ceasefire agreement signed by Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia. The agreement saw the peaceful handover of Aghdam on November 20, Kalbajar on November 25, and Lachin on December 1, alongside plans for new transport links to connect the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic with Azerbaijan’s western regions.

Despite Azerbaijan's offer of peace post-war, Armenia continued provocations. In response, Azerbaijan carried out swift anti-terror operations, leading to the disarmament of Armenian separatist forces and the dissolution of the separatist regime in Karabakh, restoring Azerbaijan's full sovereignty.

By Aghakazim Guliyev