Baku: Today marks the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, a grave crime committed as part of Armenia's policy of occupation and genocide against Azerbaijan. On the night of 25-26 February 1992, Armenian armed forces attacked the town of Khojaly with the support of the 366th motorized rifle regiment of the former USSR, resulting in the massacre of 613 residents, including 63 children and 106 women. Additionally, 1,275 people were taken prisoner and subjected to torture, with the fate of 150 individuals remaining unknown. This tragedy left eight families completely destroyed, 25 children orphaned, and 130 children losing one parent.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, other manifestations of Armenia's policy included ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis in the early 1990s in various villages, such as Baganis Ayrim, Tugh, Khojavand, and others. During the occupation of Garadaghli village of Khojavand district and Aghdaban village of Kalbajar district, many civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, were tortured to death, and dozens were taken hostage and went missing.
For Azerbaijanis, the Khojaly genocide is more than a historical event; it is a collective trauma shaping their identity and worldview. Azerbaijan has sought international recognition, framing it as a crime against humanity akin to atrocities in Khatyn, Hiroshima, or Srebrenica. This tragedy elicited international condemnation from national parliaments, international organizations, eminent international lawyers, foreign journalists, human rights activists, and international non-governmental organizations, who recognized the massacre as an act of genocide or a crime against humanity.
The real essence of the massacre was uncovered after national leader Heydar Aliyev came to power in 1993. In February 1994, the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan gave a political and legal assessment to the Khojaly genocide, declaring 26 February as the Day of Genocide of Azerbaijanis to commemorate genocides committed against Azerbaijanis throughout history.
In 2020, historical justice was established during the 44-day Patriotic War under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and the Azerbaijani Army. In September 2023, Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty, clearing Khojaly of separatists. On October 15, 2023, President Ilham Aliyev raised the national flag in Khojaly. Under his instructions, the first phase of relocation to Khojaly began in May 2024 as part of the 'Great Return' Program to liberated territories.
Life is returning to Khojaly, with large-scale reconstruction underway and the 'Great Return' Program being successfully implemented. On the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, the memory of the innocent victims of the tragedy is honored once again.