The Khojaly Massacre of February 26, 1992, remains one of the darkest chapters in the history of the South Caucasus. As Azerbaijan struggled for independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenian forces carried out a brutal attack on the town of Khojaly, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Azerbaijani civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. Thirty-three years later, the pain of this tragedy continues to resonate deeply within the hearts of the Azerbaijani people.
The Horrors of Khojaly
The massacre was marked by unspeakable atrocities. Among the victims were pregnant women whose stomachs were stabbed, children who were burned alive, and elderly individuals who were executed. Graphic images and footage from the time bear witness to the scale of the violence. According to official reports, 613 Azerbaijani Turks were killed, including 106 women, 63 children, and 70 elderly individuals. Another 487 were severely injured, and 1,275 were taken captive, with 150 still missing to this day. Eight families were completely wiped out, 25 children lost both parents, and 130 children lost one parent.
The forensic examinations and witness testimonies revealed that victims were subjected to unimaginable acts of cruelty, including scalping, mutilation, and the removal of eyes and sexual organs. These acts were carried out indiscriminately, with no regard for age or gender.
A Strategic Target
Khojaly, a town of 2,605 households, was home to 11,365 people before the conflict. However, due to ongoing clashes, the population had dwindled to around 3,000 by the time of the massacre. The town held strategic importance as it was home to the region’s only airport. In late 1991, Armenian forces began their assault, cutting off supply routes and isolating Khojaly. By February 25, 1992, with the support of the Soviet Union’s 366th Motorized Rifle Regiment stationed in Khankendi (then Stepanakert), Armenian forces launched a three-pronged attack on the town.
International Recognition as Genocide
The Khojaly Massacre has been recognized as an act of genocide by the Azerbaijani Parliament and condemned by 18 countries and 24 U.S. states. The European Court of Human Rights, in its ruling on April 22, 2010, described the events as "acts of particular gravity amounting to war crimes or crimes against humanity."
Azerbaijan argues that the massacre constitutes a severe violation of multiple international conventions, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions, the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention Against Torture, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Despite these recognitions, the international community has yet to hold the perpetrators accountable.
The Broader Context of the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
The Khojaly Massacre occurred within the broader context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Following the Soviet Union’s dissolution, Armenia escalated its military campaign, occupying not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also seven surrounding districts, including Khojaly. Over 30,000 people were killed, and more than a million Azerbaijanis were displaced during the conflict.
The occupation lasted for nearly three decades until Azerbaijan’s successful military operation in 2020, which liberated much of its territory. The slogan “Karabakh is Azerbaijan” became a rallying cry for the nation, symbolizing its determination to reclaim its lands and uphold its sovereignty.
The Legacy of Khojaly
For Azerbaijan, Khojaly is not just a historical tragedy but a symbol of resilience and justice. Every year, the nation commemorates the victims and calls for international recognition of the massacre as genocide. Azerbaijan continues to seek justice for the victims and accountability for the perpetrators, urging the global community to confront the horrors of Khojaly and prevent such atrocities from happening again.
A Call for Justice
The Khojaly Massacre serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of upholding international law. As Azerbaijan continues to rebuild its liberated territories and heal the wounds of the past, the memory of Khojaly remains a powerful testament to the strength and unity of the Azerbaijani people.
In the words of Azerbaijan’s national anthem:
“Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan!
O proud motherland of heroic sons!
We are all ready to give our lives for you!
We are all ready to shed our blood for you!
Live happily under your tricolor flag!”
The story of Khojaly is not just Azerbaijan’s story—it is a call to the world to remember, to act, and to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.
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