Azerbaijan Removes Armenian Tank Memorial in Occupied Shushi, Artsakh

In a move that has sparked controversy and renewed tensions in Artsakh, Azerbaijan has dismantled the Armenian tank memorial located in the Azerbaijani-occupied city of Shushi.

The memorial, which commemorated the first Armenian tank that reached Shushi on May 8, 1992, had long been a symbol of remembrance for the Armenian community, honoring those who lost their lives during the first Artsakh war. Azerbaijani media recently released footage of the memorial's removal, further intensifying the longstanding aggression towards Armenians of Artsakh.

The tank memorial had stood as a somber reminder of the brutal war that unfolded in the early 1990s, resulting in the loss of countless lives and the displacement of numerous residents. For decades, Armenians had gathered at the site to pay their respects and remember the sacrifices made during the war.

The recent dismantling of the memorial has evoked strong reactions from both Armenia and the international community. Armenian authorities have condemned the action, labeling it as a blatant disregard for historical memory and an affront to the people of Artsakh.

Azerbaijan, on the other hand, has defended the removal of the memorial as a necessary step to assert its control over the territory, which was regained following the 2020 Artsakh war.

The removal of the Armenian tank memorial in Shushi has once again laid bare the deep-seated hatred towards Armenians, highlighting the challenges facing any future peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.