Baku, December 01, 2024 – The Europe Today: Azerbaijan marked the fourth anniversary of the liberation of the Lachin region from occupation, according to media reports. This pivotal moment in Azerbaijan’s history follows a series of military and diplomatic achievements in the aftermath of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The Azerbaijani Army’s successful counter-offensive against Armenian aggression, which began on September 27, 2020, culminated in a significant victory by November 9, 2020. Following the liberation of Shusha on November 8, 2020, Armenia acknowledged its defeat and signed an act of capitulation, forcing a ceasefire agreement with Azerbaijan.
On November 10, 2020, a trilateral statement was signed by Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The agreement stipulated the return of key territories to Azerbaijan. By December 1, 2020, the Lachin region was officially returned to Azerbaijan, ending a 28-year-long occupation.
Azerbaijan’s liberation of Lachin, along with the Aghdam and Kalbajar regions, was achieved without any casualties. However, the period between November 10 and December 1, 2020, saw widespread destruction as retreating Armenian forces engaged in acts of environmental terrorism, looting, and burning properties in the Lachin region.
On December 1, 2020, President Ilham Aliyev addressed the nation, announcing the liberation of the Lachin region. In his televised address, he expressed immense pride, saying, “It is with great joy that I announce that the Lachin region was liberated from occupation. I heartily congratulate all the people of Azerbaijan on this occasion. The liberation of Lachin is a historical event, and we returned without firing a single shot. The brilliant victory achieved on the battlefield led to the peaceful return of Aghdam, Kalbajar, and Lachin.”
To honor the liberation, Azerbaijan established the “For the Liberation of Lachin” medal, awarded to military personnel who demonstrated extraordinary courage and bravery during the operations. The medal serves as a symbol of the sacrifices made to restore Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.
Additionally, on August 26, 2022, Azerbaijan further strengthened its control over the Lachin region with the strategic occupation of the villages of Zabukh and Sus. Azerbaijan’s military presence is now firmly established in the city of Lachin.
Lachin had been under Armenian occupation since May 18, 1992. During this time, the region’s historical, cultural, and religious sites were looted and destroyed, leaving a tragic imprint on the city’s legacy.
The anniversary of Lachin’s liberation serves as a reminder of Azerbaijan’s resilience and its commitment to reclaiming its territories. The return of the region to Azerbaijan remains a significant chapter in the nation’s history and a testament to the strength of its military forces.
