Five years ago today Azerbaijan unleashed a large-scale offensive against Nagorno Karabakh. In the early hours of September 27 Azerbaijani units launched military actions all along the line of contact with Artsakh, employing the whole arsenal at their disposal.
In response, Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh introduced martial law and total mobilization. Azerbaijan was heavily supported by Turkey throughout the hostilities.
During the 44 days of fighting the parties agreed to cease the hostilities thrice with the mediation of the Minsk Group co-chairing countries – Russia, France and the US, but failed to abide by the ceasefire.
Heavy fighting continued until November 9, when the leaders of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan adopted a statement on ceasefire. Under the document, Russian peacekeeping forces were deployed all along the line of contact.
According to latest update, 3 830 people were killed as a result of the hostilities.
Three years after the 44-day war, on September 19, Azerbaijan carried out another attack on Nagorno-Karabakh under the guise of “anti-terrorist operation.” As a result of the attack 214 servicemen and 21 civilians died. The aggression unleashed after the 10-month-long siege made it impossible for the Armenian population to live safely in Nagorno Karabakh.
The people of Artsakh were forced to leave their homes and more than 100 thousand people took the path to Armenia. Artsakh was depopulated. During those days, Azerbaijan arrested the military-political leadership of Artsakh. Dozens of Armenia are being held in Baku prisons. Many are still missing.
