Today marks the sixth anniversary of the start of the Second Karabakh War.

Axar.az reports that on September 27, 2020, under the leadership of President and Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched a counteroffensive along the entire frontline in response to large-scale military provocations and artillery shelling by Armenian forces targeting Azerbaijani military positions and civilian settlements.

This counteroffensive, later known as the Iron Fist operation, evolved into the 44-day Patriotic War. Throughout the war, President Aliyev delivered frequent addresses to the nation, which played a key role in uniting the Azerbaijani people and boosting national morale, ultimately influencing the course and outcome of the war.

On November 10, 2020, a trilateral statement was signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia, officially ending the war. The Azerbaijani lands, which Armenian military units had gradually occupied for 4 years and had maintained under occupation for nearly 30 years, establishing strong military fortifications, barriers, and defense lines on their territory, were liberated within 44 days.

Azerbaijan has since restored full sovereignty and constitutional order throughout its territory. Reconstruction efforts continue in the liberated areas, while the return of displaced residents to their native lands is underway.

Under a presidential decree signed on December 2, 2020, Azerbaijan observes Remembrance Day every year on September 27 to honor the soldiers and officers who fought and sacrificed their lives for the country's territorial integrity.

At 12:00 p.m., a nationwide minute of silence will be observed in memory of the martyrs.