BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 19. On September 19, 2023, after terrorist attacks and provocations by Armenian armed groups, Azerbaijan launched localized anti-terror operations in Karabakh
In less than 24 hours, the Azerbaijani Army successfully enforced the provisions of the Trilateral Statement, prevented large-scale provocations in Karabakh, disarmed and withdrew Armenian forces from Azerbaijani territory, and neutralized their military infrastructure. Azerbaijan also ensured the safety of civilians returning to areas liberated from occupation, as well as military and civilian workers involved in restoration efforts, and restored constitutional order in the country.
TurkicWorld provides a timeline of these events:
- In Khojavend, a truck belonging to the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads hit a landmine. Shortly after, the State Security Service of Azerbaijan announced a criminal case had been opened following the deaths of two agency employees due to a landmine attack.
- In the early hours of September 19, Armenian military units launched a series of attacks. Azerbaijani Army positions in Aghdam were first targeted, followed by positions in Gadabay. Furthermore, illegal Armenian armed groups interfered with the radio communications of a Tbilisi-Baku flight.
- The General Prosecutor's Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the State Security Service of Azerbaijan released a joint statement regarding a terrorist attack by an Armenian sabotage group that killed four employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also commented on the crime in Khojavend.
- Two Azerbaijani servicemen were injured following provocations by illegal Armenian armed groups.
- Azerbaijan has launched local anti-terror measures in Karabakh. The Ministry of Defense also outlined the goals of the operation.
- Azerbaijani Army destroyed the Tor anti-aircraft missile system of Armenian illegal armed groups.
- An electronic warfare unit belonging to illegal Armenian armed groups destroyed in Aghdare.
- An Armenian armed formations' post was destroyed on the Karkijahan-Khalfali road.
- A humanitarian corridor has been set up on the Lachin road to help evacuate the Armenian population from the danger zone.
- Azerbaijan's anti-terrorist measures resulted in destruction of 'Mortira' electronic warfare (EW) station of illegal Armenian armed formations.
- Separatists hiding in a hospital in Khankendi.
- Residents of Khankendi have been warned about the anti-terror operations via loudspeakers.
- Azerbaijan strikes the 4th Infantry Brigade of the Armenian armed forces.
- The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan reported the destruction of Armenian military positions in the Khojaly District and Red Bazaar areas.
- Defense ministers of Azerbaijan and Türkiye and chiefs of staff of the Azerbaijani and Turkish armed forces held phone talks.
- More Armenian military firing positions have been destroyed.
- An appeal has been sent to the UN concerning Armenian mine terrorism.
- International media have covered Armenian mine terrorism against Azerbaijan.
- A radar station belonging to Armenian armed groups has been destroyed.
- In the areas where anti-terror operations, Armenian civilians have received informational leaflets.
- A civilian was killed due to shelling by the Armenian armed forces in the city of Shusha.
- An ammunition depot belonging to Armenian armed groups has been destroyed in the Aghdere.
- The State Border Service of Azerbaijan has declared full control over the situation along the state border in all directions.
- Another hideout and military equipment of the Armenian armed forces have been destroyed.
- A military radio technical unit of the Armenian armed formations has been destroyed.
- An artillery system belonging to the Armenian armed forces has been destroyed.
- The Azerbaijani Presidential Administration has released a statement.
- Baku has expressed its willingness to meet with representatives of the Armenian population of Karabakh in Yevlakh.
- The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly rejected the statement from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to the EU statement.
- An ammunition depot belonging to the Armenian armed forces has been destroyed near the Khankendi-Khojaly road.
- The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement on Azerbaijan’s anti-terrorist operations in Karabakh.
- The Azerbaijani army has taken control of over 60 Armenian military positions.
- Armenian separatists have used civilians at military sites.
- President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has backed Azerbaijan's actions at the UN.
- The number of Armenian military equipment destroyed has been released.
- The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense has called on Armenian armed formations in Karabakh to surrender.
- Baku has once again invited representatives of the Armenian population in Karabakh to a meeting in Yevlakh.
- Armenian armed forces units have opened fire on a civilian in Aghdam.
- New footage has surfaced showing the destruction of equipment belonging to illegal Armenian armed groups.
- Devastating strikes have hit Armenian military trenches, bunkers, and convoys in Karabakh.
- Another artillery system of the Armenian armed forces has been precisely destroyed.
- A combat position with reserve ammunition belonging to the Armenian armed forces has been neutralized.
- Armenian artillery systems have been taken out.
- On September 20, 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called President Ilham Aliyev.
- Azerbaijan successfully proceeds with local anti-terrorist measures in Karabakh.
- New footage showing the destruction of Armenian military vehicles has been released.
- President Ilham Aliyev has outlined Azerbaijan's condition for ending the anti-terrorist operations.
- President Ilham Aliyev has stated that civilians are not targeted during the anti-terrorist operations.
- New footage shows the precise destruction of military targets and equipment used by separatists.
- The number of weapons captured from the Armenians has been revealed.
- Shusha was shelled by Armenian forces throughout the night, damaging strategic sites and causing power outages in the city.
- An Armenian military unit in Tepekend has been destroyed.
- Members of the Armenian armed formations are fleeing their trenches.
- An agreement has been reached to pause the localized anti-terrorist operations.
- The Azerbaijani Presidential Administration has announced a meeting with representatives of the Armenian residents of Karabakh in Yevlakh.
- Illegal Armenian armed formations have surrendered.
- The Azerbaijani army has taken control of over 90 Armenian military positions.
- The last of the Armenian armed forces personnel have abandoned their combat positions.
- President Ilham Aliyev has addressed the nation.
In September 2023, a one-day anti-terror operation led by the Azerbaijani Army under the command of President Ilham Aliyev, Victorious Supreme Commander, restored Azerbaijan's sovereignty.
Within less than 24 hours, Armenian separatists were forced to surrender. Armenian armed forces units and illegal armed groups laid down their weapons, abandoned their positions, and were fully disarmed. The illegal junta regime in Karabakh was dismantled, key separatist leaders were arrested, and Azerbaijan regained full control over its entire territory.
