BAKU: The Azerbaijani Army’s counter-offensive operation, named “Iron Fist,” initiated on September 27, 2020, has led to significant territorial advances against Armenian forces. The operation, a response to Armenian provocations along the frontline, marks a pivotal moment in the 44-day Second Karabakh War, which concluded with Azerbaijan reclaiming its territories after nearly three decades of Armenian occupation.

According to Trend News Agency, the 18th day of the conflict saw substantial developments, including an interview with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on France 24 TV. President Aliyev announced on Twitter the liberation of several villages within the Fuzuli and Khojavend districts, celebrating the achievements of the Azerbaijani army. These liberated areas include Garadaghli, Khatunbulag, Garakollu, Bulutan, Melikjanli, Kemertuk, Teke, and Tagaser.

The day was also marked by continued hostility, with Armenian missile attacks reportedly destroying a shopping center and impacting civilian areas
in the Tartar, Aghdam, and Agjabedi districts. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense reported the destruction of Armenian military equipment, including a ballistic missile system. There were also reports of casualties and injuries among Azerbaijani civilians and journalists, attributed to Armenian military actions.

The Azerbaijani Prosecutor General’s Office has released names of individuals wounded in Tartar, emphasizing the ongoing human cost of the conflict. Additionally, Azerbaijan’s military efforts to neutralize threats to its civilian population were highlighted, with the government showing footage of the newly liberated Jabrayil city, demonstrating both the scale of military operations and the significant territorial gains made during the war.