Three years have passed since the launch of the localized anti-terrorist measures against separatist armed groups in Karabakh.
Sea-news.az reports that as a result of the anti-terrorist measures carried out by the Azerbaijan Army on September 19–20, 2023, the country’s sovereignty was restored across all its territories.
The anti-terrorist measures began on September 19, 2023, at approximately 13:00. According to the Ministry of Defense, during the operation, front-line and in-depth positions, long-term firing points, combat assets, and military-designated objects of the Armenian armed forces units were disabled with high-precision strikes.
At that time, more than 60 combat positions of the Armenian armed forces came under the control of Azerbaijani units. More than 20 military vehicles, over 40 artillery installations, more than 30 mortars, two anti-aircraft missile systems, over six “Martira” electronic warfare stations, and other military assets were neutralized.
During the night hours, the Ministry of Defense issued a call for the laying down of arms in the area where the anti-terrorist measures were being conducted. However, combat operations continued on September 20.
On that day, six “Ural” military trucks loaded with mortar shells belonging to illegal armed groups and four mortars were seized as trophies by the units of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan. During the battles, more than 90 combat positions, several strategic heights, seven military vehicles, four mortars, one tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, as well as a significant amount of weapons and ammunition were captured.
Within several hours, units of the Azerbaijan Army advanced in the Aghdere–Asgaran, Khankandi–Khojavand, Sugovushan–Vang, Tazakend–Sirkhavend, and Khankandi–Khojaly directions, ensuring control over roads. Special forces units fulfilled tasks of controlling entry and exit to the territory in all directions.
According to the source, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, artillery systems, military aviation, electronic warfare equipment, and unmanned aerial vehicles were used during the operation.
As a result, the leadership of the separatist regime and the command of the remnants of the Armenian armed forces agreed to cease fire and lay down arms. The anti-terrorist measures lasted for 23 hours and 43 minutes.
It should be noted that 192 servicemen of the Azerbaijan Army became martyrs during the localized anti-terrorist measures.
On September 19, 2024, President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree “On the establishment of State Sovereignty Day in the Republic of Azerbaijan.”
