The swift operation, lasting just 23 hours and 43 minutes, utilized precision weapons to neutralize Armenian separatists' forward and deep positions, long-term firing points, combat equipment, and military facilities. Faced with Azerbaijan's military might, the separatists were forced to "raise the white flag."
Considering an appeal from Karabakh's Armenian residents through the Russian peacekeeping contingent, an agreement was reached to suspend the operation on September 20, 2023, at 13:00, under the following conditions:
1. Armenian armed formations and illegal armed groups in Karabakh lay down their weapons, leave combat positions and posts, and completely disarm. Armenian armed forces withdraw from Azerbaijani territory, and illegal Armenian armed formations are disbanded.
2. All weapons and heavy equipment are surrendered in parallel.
3. The implementation of the above measures is coordinated with the Russian peacekeeping contingent.
On September 20, President Ilham Aliyev addressed the nation, declaring the restoration of Azerbaijan's sovereignty following the successful completion of the localized anti-terrorist operation. He praised the professionalism and high moral qualities of Azerbaijani soldiers and officers.
The President also paid tribute to the soldiers who became martyrs during the operation, saying, "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."
In his speech, President Aliyev warned those who look down on Azerbaijan and covet its lands, stating, "Those who despise us, 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!"
Following the operation, representatives of the Armenian community in Karabakh, who had repeatedly refused to meet with Azerbaijani representatives, had to agree to a meeting in the city of Yevlakh. The meetings focused on the elimination of the separatist regime and the reintegration of Armenians living in Karabakh. On September 28, 2023, the head of the separatist regime in Karabakh, Samvel Shahramanyan, signed a document liquidating the so-called regime.
As a result of the anti-terrorist operation, which lasted less than 24 hours, the Armenian army illegally present on Azerbaijani territory was completely disarmed and left the country. The illegal regime of the junta in Karabakh was eliminated, and the main separatist leaders were arrested by Azerbaijani special services and law enforcement agencies.
On October 15, 2023, President Ilham Aliyev visited Khankandi, Khojavand, Shusha, Khojaly, and Aghdara districts, as well as the Asgaran fortress, where he raised the flag of Azerbaijan. On November 8 of the same year, a military parade dedicated to the third anniversary of the Victory in the Patriotic War was held in Khankandi.
Currently, restoration and construction work is underway in the liberated territories in accordance with the strategic roadmap approved by President Ilham Aliyev. IDPs are gradually returning to their native lands. It can be said with confidence that all projects related to the revival of Karabakh and East Zangazur will be successfully implemented, and these regions will become picturesque corners of Azerbaijan.
AzVision.az
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