Domestic

Home page

Domestic

Azerbaijan marks third anniversary of Lachin’s liberation

26 August 2025 00:01 (UTC +04:00)

Today marks the anniversary of Lachin city’s return to Azerbaijan’s control, APA reports.

On August 26, 2022, the Azerbaijani Army was deployed in Lachin city. Along with Lachin, Zabukh and Sus villages were also brought under control.

In accordance with the trilateral statement signed after the Victory in the Patriotic War, Lachin district was returned to Azerbaijan on December 1, 2020. However, since the Lachin corridor passed through the city, Lachin had remained under the temporary control of the Russian peacekeeping contingent. According to the Trilateral Statement of November 10, 2020, the sides agreed to construct a new road as an alternative to the Lachin corridor within three years. Azerbaijan, however, completed the construction much earlier: the route was approved with Russia, urgent measures were taken, and construction of the new road began. After 1 year and 8 months, the alternative road was completed. On August 2, 2022, Azerbaijan officially notified that the road was ready, adding that from August 5, its forces would enter Lachin, including the old road, and return to the city.

Following this, Armenians living in Karabakh appealed to the Azerbaijani authorities, asking for additional time until August 25 to vacate the area. Despite illegal settlement conducted by Armenia during the occupation, Azerbaijan once again demonstrated humanism and granted time until August 25.

Thus, on August 26, the Azerbaijani Army entered Lachin city, and Lachin city, together with Zabukh and Sus villages, was fully taken under control.

On September 21, 2022, President of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev raised the Azerbaijani Flag in Lachin city.

In a short period, construction and reconstruction works began both in Lachin and in Zabukh and Sus villages. As a result of the work carried out, the return of former internally displaced persons to Lachin city, Zabukh and Sus villages has already begun. The first resettlement to Lachin city took place on May 27, 2023, and the return of Lachin residents to their native city continues.

It should be noted that on July 31, 2023, President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the establishment of City Days for the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. According to the decree, August 26 was declared Lachin City Day, which is now celebrated with solemn ceremonies.