Azerbaijan reports territorial gains in Karabakh conflict

During the 44-day second Karabakh war, the Azerbaijani Army has continued its counter-offensive, referred to as the ‘Iron Fist’ operation. President Ilham Aliyev reported the liberation of several villages and parts of the Zangilan, Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Kalbajar districts from Armenian occupation.

In an interview with Le Figaro, President Aliyev stated that the military action was a response to Armenian provocations and an attempt to seize control of strategic energy infrastructure, including the Trans Adriatic Pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor. He characterized the conflict as a necessary measure to restore Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity following decades of occupation.

Military reports indicate that Azerbaijani forces have utilized high-precision weapons to strike Armenian positions in Khojavand, Gubadly, and Lachin, resulting in the retreat of Armenian troops and the destruction of military equipment. Meanwhile, Armenian forces have reportedly fired upon Aghdam, Tartar, and Aghjabadi.