Five years ago today, the Second Garabagh War began—a conflict that would shape the course of Azerbaijan’s modern history. What started as a military confrontation evolved into a profound demonstration of diplomatic and strategic capability.

The war led to the deoccupation of Azerbaijani territories, the end of an ethnic Armenian separatist regime in those areas, and the reincorporation of these lands into the Azerbaijan Republic. Coupled with the precise September 2023 special operation, which ended the occupation without civilian casualties, Azerbaijan achieved what many consider its greatest military and diplomatic victory in decades.

The Patriotic War was not only a military campaign but also a manifestation of Azerbaijan’s unity, resilience, and determination to restore its territorial integrity. Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces crushed the enemy using modern military tactics and technologies. The unity of the people, symbolized by the slogan "He died, he returned, he did not return!", became the backbone of this victory.

Speaking to Azernews, former US ambassador to Azerbaijan Matthew Bryza emphasized the scale and significance of this success:

“The Second Garabagh War, which began five years ago today, probably marks the greatest diplomatic and military achievement in Azerbaijan's history. It has resulted in the deoccupation of Azerbaijani lands and their reincorporation into the Azerbaijan Republic and coupled with the September 2023 special operation, which was precise and resulted in not only in no civilian deaths, but not even civilian injuries, ended the occupation of any Azerbaijani territory, any end of a separatist regime, ethnic Armenian regime, on Azerbaijani's territory. So this would be for any country, the recovery of its territories and full control over them, a........

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