BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 27. Today marks the fourth anniversary of the start of the 44-day Patriotic War. September 27 is remembered as the beginning of Azerbaijan’s road to victory. It is also a Remembrance Day, when millions of Azerbaijanis, both at home and abroad, honor the martyrs whose sacrifices paved the way for this victory.
On that fateful day, Armenian forces once again launched attacks on residential areas and military positions of Azerbaijan, using heavy artillery and other weapons. This provocation led to casualties and injuries among civilians and military personnel of Azerbaijan.
For Azerbaijan, this marked the breaking point after 30 years of striving for peace. In response, the Azerbaijani Army launched a decisive counteroffensive to neutralize immediate and potential threats to the nation's security. Azerbaijani youth, long awaiting this moment, eagerly joined the fight to liberate Karabakh.
Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, and thanks to the valor of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and the unity of its people, Armenian forces were decisively defeated in just 44 days, and Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity was restored.
This victory not only reclaimed lands that had been under occupation for nearly 30 years but also reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the region. The restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity shifted the balance of power and ushered in significant political and economic changes. The war showcased the strength of Azerbaijan’s military to the world and solidified the nation’s position as a regional power.
Following the war, President Ilham Aliyev proposed Armenia a peace agreement based on the mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity. He urged Yerevan to seize this historic opportunity, emphasizing that a peace agreement was the only path to lasting stability in the region.
However, Armenia rejected the offer and continued its provocations. On September 9, 2023, it held so-called "presidential elections" in territories under the temporary control of Russian peacekeeping forces. During this time, Armenia refused to withdraw its illegal armed formations from Azerbaijani lands, instead continuing to send military reinforcements and supplies. Armenian forces also fortified their positions and laid mines across the region. On September 19, 2023, Armenian armed forces and separatist groups escalated their provocations, committing terrorist acts in Azerbaijan. In response, Azerbaijan was compelled to take firm action to defend its sovereignty.
In less than 24 hours, the Azerbaijani Army’s local anti-terrorist measures brought Armenian separatists to surrender. Armenian military units and illegal armed formations laid down their weapons, vacated their positions, and were fully disarmed. The unlawful separatist regime in Karabakh was dismantled, its leaders arrested, and Azerbaijan restored its full sovereignty over the entire region.
The 44-day Patriotic War and subsequent anti-terrorist measures have redefined the political dynamics of the South Caucasus. Armenia’s influence waned, leading to a profound economic and political crisis, while Azerbaijan emerged stronger, enhancing its political influence and economic power to become the dominant force in the region.
Today, millions of Azerbaijanis, both in the country and abroad, come together to honor the memory of the martyrs of the 44-day Patriotic War. This pivotal event holds a sacred place in the nation’s history. Prayers for the martyrs’ souls resonate in mosques, churches, and synagogues alike, a testament to the unity of the Azerbaijani people and their unwavering resolve to stand together against any future threats.