Armenians Mark Four Years Since Azerbaijan’s Offensive in Artsakh: A War of Loss and Azerbaijani Occupation

Four years ago, on September 27, 2020, Azerbaijan launched a massive military offensive against the Republic of Artsakh (also known as Nagorno-Karabakh), marking the beginning of a brutal 44-day war. In the early hours of that day, Azerbaijani forces with the support of Turkey, attacked along the entire line of contact with Artsakh, using their full range of military capabilities. This large-scale assault led to immediate mobilization in Armenia and Artsakh, with martial law declared to organize the defense of the region.

A key factor in Azerbaijan's campaign was the substantial support it received from Turkey. Not only did Turkey provide military assistance, but it also played a controversial role by recruiting Syrian mercenaries to fight alongside Azerbaijani forces against the Armenian troops. This involvement of foreign fighters was confirmed by international organizations and officials from several countries. Two Syrian fighters captured during the conflict were later tried in Armenia and sentenced to life in prison.

The war was characterized by heavy fighting and significant casualties on both sides. During the 44 days of conflict, international efforts to broker a ceasefire were made through the Minsk Group, which is co-chaired by Russia, France, and the United States. Despite three attempts to halt the fighting, all ceasefires quickly collapsed, with hostilities resuming each time.

It wasn’t until November 9, 2020, that the war came to an official end. A ceasefire agreement was signed between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia. As part of the agreement, Russian peacekeeping forces were deployed along the line of contact to help maintain the fragile peace.

The 44-day war took a devastating human toll. According to the latest figures, 3,830 people lost their lives as a result of the fighting. The conflict left deep scars with countless families mourning the loss of their loved ones.

However, the war's impact didn’t end with the ceasefire. On September 19, 2023, three years after the initial conflict, Azerbaijan launched another attack on Nagorno-Karabakh. This time, the assault was presented as an "anti-terrorist operation." The renewed aggression led to the deaths of 214 Armenian servicemen and 21 civilians, further escalating the ongoing tensions.

The situation in Artsakh took a dire turn following this second wave of Azerbaijai aggression. The Armenian population in the region, already struggling after a ten-month siege, found it increasingly impossible to live in safety. As a result, more than 100,000 people were forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in Armenia. Artsakh, once home to a large Armenian community, became depopulated in a matter of days due to Azerbaijani aggression and occupation.

The aftermath of the conflict saw Azerbaijan tightening its grip on the region. The military-political leadership of Artsakh was arrested, and the indigenous people who had once called the area home were left displaced and uncertain about their future.

In addition to the lives lost and the mass displacement, many Armenians remain in a state of uncertainty. Over 300 people are still missing, and dozens of Armenians are reportedly being held in Baku prisons, despite international calls for their release. The ongoing detentions and disappearances continue to fuel tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, making peace efforts even more challenging.