Remembrance Day: US embassy honours those who fell defending Azerbaijan

On Remembrance Day, the US Embassy in Azerbaijan expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones during the country’s long-standing conflicts.

According to Caliber.Az, the embassy posted on social media: “On August 8, in Washington, we witnessed the beginning of a new phase in the South Caucasus. The United States will continue its efforts to strengthen peace in the region. The U.S. Embassy extends its deepest condolences to the Azerbaijani families who have lost loved ones.”

Remembrance Day is observed annually in Azerbaijan following a decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev on December 2, 2020, to honour servicemen who gave their lives defending the nation’s territorial integrity during the Patriotic War.

On September 27, 2020, under the leadership of Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched counter-offensive operations along the entire frontline to repel military provocations and protect civilians. The 44-day conflict ended in a decisive victory for Azerbaijan, with 2,908 servicemen martyred.

On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan conducted an anti-terrorist operation in the Karabakh economic region to halt large-scale provocations, eliminate remaining Armenian armed formations, and restore constitutional order. The operation, lasting 23 hours and 43 minutes, achieved all objectives, including dismantling the illegal Karabakh junta regime and detaining its key leaders. During the operation, 192 Azerbaijani servicemen were killed.

Through both the Patriotic War and the 2023 operation, Azerbaijan liberated its occupied territories, fully restoring state sovereignty and constitutional order. Reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts continue in the liberated regions, while steps are being taken to ensure the safe return of former residents to their homes.

By Tamilla Hasanova