LACHIN — Today marks the anniversary of the city of Lachin and the villages of Zabukh and Sus coming under the control of Azerbaijan, a significant milestone following the conclusion of the Patriotic War.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Azerbaijani Army officially entered Lachin on August 26, 2022, following the provisions of the trilateral statement signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia on November 10, 2020. This statement included the return of the Lachin district to Azerbaijan as of December 1, 2020, while the city remained under the temporary oversight of a Russian peacekeeping contingent due to its strategic location within the Lachin corridor. The construction of an alternative route, completed swiftly by Azerbaijan by August 2022, facilitated the full reinstatement of Azerbaijani governance over the area.

The transition was marked by significant developments, including the resettlement of internally displaced persons, which began earnestly with the first group returning on May 27, 2023. The ongoing resettlement and reconstruction efforts highlight a pivotal era of renewal for Lachin and its adjoining villages. Furthermore, President Ilham Aliyev has commemorated this resurgence by instituting August 26 as Lachin City Day, celebrating the city’s revival and strategic importance to Azerbaijan.