Today marks Khankendi, Khojaly, Khojavand and Aghdara Cities Day.

Axar.az reports that the occasion is being observed in Azerbaijan for the third time.

Under an order signed by President Ilham Aliyev on September 18, 2024, September 20 is celebrated annually as Khankendi, Khojaly, Khojavand and Aghdara Cities Day.

The establishment of the commemorative day is linked to the disarmament and removal of remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal armed groups from Azerbaijani territory. Three years have passed since Khankendi, Khojaly, Khojavand and Aghdara were brought under the control of Azerbaijan.

On October 15, 2023, President Ilham Aliyev visited Khankendi, as well as the Khojavand, Shusha, Khojaly and Aghdara districts. He also visited Asgaran Fortress, where he raised the Azerbaijani flag.

Speaking in Khankendi on the same day, President Aliyev said:

“We worked tirelessly to strengthen our army. We created such a strong army that today the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan can honorably fulfill any task, and we proved this on the battlefield. Three years ago, during the Patriotic War, we forced the enemy to sign an act of capitulation in just 44 days. At the same time, the anti-terror operation that lasted just 23 hours last month demonstrated our strength, and once again the enemy raised the white flag and surrendered. We are rightfully proud of our Armed Forces.”