BAKU: Azerbaijan commemorated the fourth anniversary of the liberation of Qubadli, a city that was freed from Armenian occupation during the Second Karabakh War. The city was liberated on October 25, 2020, following a counter-offensive launched by the Azerbaijani Army on September 27, 2020.

According to Trend News Agency, Azerbaijani forces achieved significant victories in the Jabrayil district, which lies to the east of Qubadli, and conducted successful operations in the Zangilan district to the south. These efforts paved the way for the Azerbaijani military to reach the administrative borders of Qubadli. On October 26, 2020, President Ilham Aliyev addressed the nation, announcing the liberation of Qubadli along with several settlements such as Padar, Efendilar, and Yusifbeyli from Armenian control.

The battle for Qubadli was characterized by intense fighting, as Azerbaijani forces faced strong resistance. Despite this, they inflicted substantial casualties on the opposing forces, both in terms of manpowe
r and equipment, ultimately leading to a retreat by the enemy. In recognition of the bravery demonstrated during the operation, Azerbaijan established the “For the Liberation of Qubadli” medal. This honor, awarded by presidential decree, was bestowed upon servicemen who exhibited exceptional courage during the campaign.

Qubadli had been under Armenian occupation since August 31, 1993. During this period, the region experienced extensive damage. Armenian forces destroyed the city and its villages, desecrated religious, historical, and cultural monuments, and inflicted ecological damage by cutting down and burning forests that contained rare species of trees and plants.