Baku: The Azerbaijani Army launched a counter-offensive operation, later named the “Iron Fist,” on September 27, 2020, in response to a large-scale provocation by Armenian armed forces along the frontline. The erupted 44-day second Karabakh war concluded with the liberation of Azerbaijan’s territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation, restoring the nation’s territorial integrity. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, addressed the nation amidst this pivotal moment.

According to Trend News Agency, President Aliyev described the ongoing conflict as a patriotic war for the Azerbaijani people, emphasizing the liberation of their homeland from occupiers. He asserted that the operations on the battlefield were restoring historical justice, as Nagorno-Karabakh is considered ancient Azerbaijani land. Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s diplomatic efforts over the years to inform the world about the region’s history, countering Armenian lobbying organizations’ narratives.

President Aliyev recounted historical treaties, such as the Kurakchay, Gulustan, and Turkmenchay peace treaties, which he argued showed the historical presence and rights of Azerbaijanis in the region. He criticized Armenian settlement policies and separatist tendencies that emerged during Soviet times, noting the imbalance of power in the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region’s governing bodies.

The President also criticized international mediation efforts, especially the Minsk Group, which he argued failed to produce results in favor of Azerbaijan. He emphasized the need for a new reality in negotiations, reflecting the recent military successes and calling for a resolution that respects Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

Aliyev highlighted the Azerbaijani Army’s achievements on the battlefield, including the liberation of several districts and villages. He shared detailed information about military equipment captured or destroyed during the conflict, questioning the sources of Armenia’s military resources.

In his address, President Aliyev reinforced Azerbaijan’s commitment to restoring its territorial integrity through military-political means and the importance of a peaceful co-existence with the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh. He expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to rebuild liberated territories and underscored the unity and resilience of the Azerbaijani people.

The address concluded with a reaffirmation of the Azerbaijani people’s resolve and President Aliyev’s promise to continue the fight until the complete liberation of occupied lands, declaring that “Karabakh is Azerbaijan.”