On September 27, 2020, in response to large-scale provocations by Armenian armed forces along the front line, the Azerbaijani army launched a counter-offensive, later named the “Iron Fist” operation.
The 44-day Patriotic War ended nearly three decades of occupation, restoring Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.
During the 44 days of combat, the Azerbaijani army liberated 5 cities, 4 towns, 286 villages, and numerous strategic heights in Karabakh from Armenian occupation.
Acknowledging defeat, Armenia signed an act of capitulation, committing to withdraw from the occupied territories in Azerbaijan’s Aghdam, Lachin, and Kalbajar districts.
Victory Day was established by President Ilham Aliyev’s decree in December 2020. On November 8, the symbolic and cultural capital of Azerbaijan, the city of Shusha, was liberated.
