Azerbaijan military advances in Hadrut during 2020 conflict

During the 44-day conflict in 2020, the Azerbaijani military conducted the ‘Iron Fist’ counter-offensive to restore territorial integrity. Reports from October 9 and October 11 highlight significant military developments and civilian impacts.

On October 9, President Ilham Aliyev announced that the Azerbaijani Army had liberated the town of Hadrut and several surrounding villages. The Ministry of Defense reported the destruction of enemy headquarters and artillery, while releasing footage of liberated areas in the Jabrayil district. Concurrently, Armenian forces targeted several regions, including Goranboy, Tartar, Agdam, Fuzuli, Mingachevir, and Agjabadi, resulting in injuries to civilians and emergency workers.

By October 11, hostilities continued with heavy shelling of Ganja by Armenian forces. Reports indicated significant casualties in Ganja, with death tolls cited at 5 and later 7 individuals, and dozens injured. Azerbaijani air defense systems reportedly intercepted an Armenian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attempting to fly toward Mingachevir. The Ministry of Defense also dismissed Armenian claims regarding the treatment of civilians in Hadrut and strikes on occupied settlements, labeling them as disinformation.