The local anti-terror measures that began on September 19, 2023, marked the beginning of a new stage in Azerbaijan’s modern history. As a result of the operation, which lasted only 23 hours, the activities of illegal armed formations in Karabakh were brought to an end, creating conditions for the withdrawal of the remnants of the Armenian armed forces from the territory and the restoration of Azerbaijan’s constitutional order.

 

This development was a logical continuation of the Victory achieved in 2020 and ensured the full restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and state sovereignty. As a result of the anti-terror measures, the existence of the illegal regime established by Armenia on Azerbaijani territory was brought to an end, and Azerbaijan’s sovereignty over Karabakh was fully restored.

With the ceasefire reached on September 20, conditions were established for the disarmament of formations of the Armenian armed forces and illegal armed groups, their withdrawal from military positions, and their departure from the territory. Subsequently, a meeting was held in Yevlakh between representatives of the Karabakh Armenians and Azerbaijan, and discussions began on reintegration within the framework of the Constitution and laws of Azerbaijan.

Thus, the separatist regime that had hindered the security and development of the region for many years became a thing of the past. Commenting on the issue, Member of Parliament Elchin Mirzabayli said:

“The anti-terror operation was carried out with lightning speed in a short period of time, effectively bringing an end to the presence of illegal military formations and the remnants of the occupying forces on Azerbaijani territory. In the subsequent process, Azerbaijan once again made efforts toward reintegration and took serious steps in this direction. Despite the grave war crimes committed against our country, humanitarian efforts nevertheless remained at the forefront of our state policy.”

Following the local anti-terror measures, an entirely different agenda emerged: security, restoration, reconstruction, resettlement, and the Great Return. Roads, residential settlements, social facilities, and new infrastructure are being built. Within the framework of the state’s official “Great Return” program, the process of rebuilding life in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur continues.

The declaration of September 20 as State Sovereignty Day is also intended to commemorate this historic turning point at the state level. Since 2024, this date has been observed in Azerbaijan as State Sovereignty Day.

It should be noted that the establishment of state sovereignty throughout the entire territory of Azerbaijan has created a new political reality in the region. The main issues on the agenda are no longer conflict, but peace, cooperation, the opening of communications, the expansion of economic ties, and a new development model for the region.