Tokyo, 20 October, /AJMEDIA/
The 24th day of the Patriotic War – October 20, 2020 is engraved in our military history as the day when the city of Zangilan and the surrounding villages were liberated from the Armenian occupation.
Zangilan region occupied by Armenia on October 29, 1993 was completely destroyed, rich natural resources were looted and transported to foreign countries. After twenty-seven years of occupation, our brave Army under the leadership of President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev managed to clear the region from Armenian units as a result of successful military operations. During the 44-day victory march, Zangilan district also received news of victory every day. On October 20, President Ilham Aliyev conveyed this good news to the people: “Zangilan region. The Glorious Azerbaijan Army also entered the territory of Zangilan district and liberated the residential areas. I mention the names of settlements located in Zangilan region: Havali village, Zarnali village, Mammadbeyli village, Hekari village, Sharifan village, Mughanli village and Zangilan city! Zangilan is ours! Karabakh is ours!
My dear people, dear residents of Dengilani, Fuzuli, Khojavand, Jabrayil and other occupied regions, we are fulfilling our mission. We give a worthy response to the enemy. We punish the enemy. The enemy is powerless before us. We break the enemy’s back, we will break it! Karabakh is ours! Long live Azerbaijan! Love to the people of Azerbaijan!”
On December 23, 2020, President Ilham Aliyev raised the Azerbaijani flag in Zangilan. On July 31, 2023, according to the Decree signed by the head of state, October 20, when the city was liberated from occupation, is celebrated as Zangilan City Day.
As a result of the heroism of the Azerbaijani Army, after the liberation of Zangilan from occupation, the possibility of controlling the Zangezur region was created. Also, the 132-kilometer section of the Azerbaijan-Iran state border was restored by clearing the Aghband settlement and the Vejnali hill from the enemy. Military cargo brought to Armenia was prevented by taking control of the state border. Liberation of the region from occupation was a decisive factor in the opening of the Karabakh knot. The liberation of Bartaz, Siğırt, Şukurataz and five other heights was a great strategic advantage.
A successful “Three Points” operation was carried out to liberate Zangila during the Patriotic War. An aerial reconnaissance of the area was carried out a day ago, information about the enemy, its location, manpower, equipment, and firing positions were determined and analyzed in the command post for making appropriate decisions. The next day, at night, small agile groups carried out an infiltration operation, inflicting devastating blows on the enemy and forcing them to flee. Artillery installations in the depths of the enemy, approaching equipment were destroyed by means of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Immediately after the end of the Patriotic War, rapid reconstruction works were started in Zangilan district, which is one of the most beautiful corners of Eastern Zangezur, distinguished by dense forests, green vegetation, and gushing rivers. On October 20, 2022, the opening ceremony of Zangilan International Airport was held with the participation of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This airport is one of the main factors determining the transformation of Karabakh into an important transport hub. The construction of the Zangezur Corridor – Horadiz – Jabrayil – Zangilan – Agbend highway, which was founded by the presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey on October 26, 2021, is about to be completed.
In addition, the “smart village” project was implemented in Agali village of Zangilan district. On May 27, 2022, President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva Zangilana participated in the opening ceremony of the first phase of the “smart village” project. On July 19, 2022, population relocation to Agalı village began. This process, which was the beginning of the Great Return, went down in history as a memorable event.
Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, liberated from occupation, are currently being rebuilt, the areas are cleared of mines, and large-scale restoration and reconstruction works are being carried out rapidly.
Residents are also pleased with the speedy restoration and construction works in the liberated areas. Many reconstruction works have already been done in Zangilan. Residents of Agalı village continue their lives, classes are held at school. The foundations of II, III, IV residential complexes and a kindergarten were laid in Zangilan city. Zangilan Congress Center Complex was inaugurated. “Jahangirbeyli” Hydroelectric Power Station, built in the part of Okchuchay passing through the region, has been put into operation. Zangilan city mosque built by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation is under construction. A State Services Center was established in the village square. In short, Zangilan, which was freed from occupation, is experiencing a new stage of its development today.
Vugar Aghayev
