Baku: Azerbaijan marks the second anniversary of the local anti-terrorist measures conducted by its army in the Karabakh region. Two years ago, on September 19, the Azerbaijani Army initiated operations to counteract heightened provocations from Armenian armed forces, which had been intensifying tensions in the region. According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Armenian armed forces had been systematically attacking Azerbaijani positions with a variety of weapons and continued to mine territories, escalating tensions further. The Armenian forces were reportedly enhancing their combat readiness by strengthening positions with personnel and military equipment, expanding intelligence activities, and engaging in subversive operations such as road re-mining for terrorist acts. The escalation reached a critical point when, on September 19, a vehicle of the State Agency of Azerbaijan Highways was destroyed by a mine planted by Armenian forces on the Ahmedbeyli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway, resulting in civilian casualties . Additionally, a vehicle carrying Azerbaijani military personnel hit a mine, causing further deaths and injuries. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense had consistently highlighted the threat posed by the continued presence of Armenian armed forces in the Karabakh region, which violated the November 10, 2020, tripartite agreement. The anti-terrorist measures aimed to enforce this agreement, prevent provocations, disarm Armenian forces, and secure the safety of civilians and reconstruction workers in liberated areas. The operations involved the precise targeting of Armenian military positions and infrastructure while ensuring civilian safety. On September 20, 2023, an agreement was reached to halt these operations, contingent upon the disarmament and withdrawal of Armenian forces under coordination with the Russian peacekeeping contingent. President Ilham Aliyev addressed the nation, emphasizing the successful reclamation of Azerbaijani sovereignty and lauding the heroism of Azerbaijani servicemen. Despite t he challenging terrain and fortified enemy positions, Azerbaijani forces achieved significant military success. However, the operations resulted in the martyrdom of 192 Azerbaijani servicemen. Post-operation inspections revealed numerous warehouses filled with mines and explosive devices, some produced in Armenia as recently as 2021. The confiscated arsenal included thousands of weapons and ammunition pieces, highlighting the scale of the Armenian military presence. In a significant development, the so-called entity in Karabakh announced its dissolution, effective January 1, 2024, marking the end of the "Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh." Azerbaijani law enforcement detained several leaders of the entity, including former "presidents" and military officials. Azerbaijan has initiated reintegration efforts for Armenian residents in Karabakh, ensuring rights and security regardless of ethnic, religious, or linguistic differences. On October 15, 2023, President Aliyev raised the Azerbaijani flag in several key loc ations, declaring it a historic day and reaffirming Azerbaijan's military strength. A military parade celebrating the third anniversary of the Victory in the Patriotic War was held in Khankendi. As part of a memorandum between Turkey and Russia, the Russian Joint Monitoring Center ceased operations in Azerbaijan, and the Russian Peacekeeping Contingent withdrew. In a decree signed by President Aliyev, September 20 will henceforth be celebrated as the Day of Khankendi, Khojaly, Khojavend, and Aghdara cities, commemorating the successful operations and restoration of peace in the region.