Sea-news.az recalls that on November 8, 2020, the historic city was liberated from enemy forces by the victorious Armed Forces of Azerbaijan under the leadership of the Victorious Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev.
Following the clearance of occupying forces, the glorious tricolor flag of Azerbaijan was raised in the center of the city. On the same day, President Ilham Aliyev announced the liberation of Shusha during an address to the nation from the Alley of Martyrs in Baku.
The Battle of Shusha stands as one of the most remarkable and decisive military operations carried out by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces during the Second Karabakh War. Azerbaijani troops advanced toward the city by navigating dense forests, impassable ravines, and grueling mountain passes.
On November 7, 2020, Special Forces of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces scaled the steep cliffs surrounding Shusha, entering the city equipped primarily with light firearms. During the battle, Armenian forces launched “Iskander” tactical ballistic missiles targeting Azerbaijani troops inside Shusha. Nevertheless, Azerbaijani forces rapidly neutralized the defending troops, clearing the city and securing full control of Shusha on November 8.
In May 2021, President Ilham Aliyev officially declared Shusha the Cultural Capital of Azerbaijan.
Under an executive order signed by President Ilham Aliyev on July 31, 2023, November 8 is celebrated annually as Shusha City Day.
