Victory Day celebrations: Khankendi, Shusha, and Ganja host patriotic marches UPDATED

On November 8, a march took place in the city of Khankendi to commemorate Victory Day.

The procession, which involved personnel from a military unit stationed in the area, was accompanied by the music of a military band, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

The march also featured local community members, law enforcement officers, and included youth and students. The procession concluded at Victory Square in Khankendi.

Furthermore, military procession took place in Shusha to mark the annual Victory Day celebrations. The event saw military personnel, accompanied by a military band, march through the central streets of the city in a show of respect and patriotism.

The procession was attended by local residents, law enforcement officials, as well as young people and students, all of whom participated in the commemoration. The march came to an end at the historic Shusha Fortress, where a moment of reflection and respect was observed.

Another military parade took place in Ganja organised by the Ground Troops Command with support from the Executive Authority of Ganja. The procession, accompanied once again by a military band, began on Nizami Ganjavi Avenue, continuing through Heydar Aliyev and Ataturk Avenues, showcasing the unity and pride of the nation in celebration of this important day.

Notably, Azerbaijan observes November 8 as Victory Day, commemorating the end of the 44-day Second Karabakh War, which began on September 27, 2020. President Ilham Aliyev declared the day official on December 3, 2020, to mark the country's territorial recovery after nearly three decades of occupation.

A key turning point was the liberation of Shusha on November 8, a culturally and strategically significant city. Azerbaijani forces secured victory through direct combat, avoiding heavy artillery to preserve the city's integrity. The war ended with a ceasefire agreement on November 10, 2020, signed by Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia, leading to the peaceful return of occupied territories.

Though Azerbaijan extended an offer for peace, Armenia continued provocations, prompting Azerbaijan to launch anti-terror operations, resulting in the disarmament of separatist forces and the restoration of full Azerbaijani sovereignty over Karabakh.

By Aghakazim Guliyev