Baku: The Azerbaijani Army initiated a counter-offensive operation, known as the “Iron Fist,” on September 27, 2020. This move was in response to the provocation by Armenian armed forces along the frontline. The operation marked the beginning of the 44-day second Karabakh war, which concluded with the liberation of Azerbaijan’s territories after nearly three decades of Armenian occupation, thereby restoring Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

According to Trend News Agency, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva, expressed her congratulations to the Azerbaijani people via a post on her official Instagram page. She celebrated the liberation of several villages in the Zangilan, Jabrayil, and Gubadly districts, as well as the city of Gubadly. Her message acknowledged the heroism and courage of the Azerbaijani soldiers and expressed gratitude for their dedication. Aliyeva’s post concluded with a blessing for the Azerbaijani Army, its people, and leadership, reaffirming the sentiment that “Karabakh is Azerbaijan.”