Nagorno-Karabakh War: Khojaly Massacre: Armenian armed forces open fire on Azeri civilians at a military post outside the town of Khojaly leaving hundreds dead.

The Khojaly Massacre: A Tragic Chapter in the Nagorno-Karabakh War

The Khojaly massacre stands as a profound and devastating event within the tumultuous history of the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. On the night of February 26, 1992, the town of Khojaly witnessed a horrific mass killing of Azerbaijanis, predominantly civilians, alongside some armed troops, by irregular Armenian forces and the 366th Commonwealth of Independent States Guards Motor Rifle Regiment.

Khojaly: A Strategic Enclave Under Siege

Before the conflict escalated, Khojaly was a vibrant, Azerbaijani-populated town nestled within the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast, home to approximately 6,300 residents. Crucially, in 1992, it boasted the region's only airport, making it a strategic point for both sides. As the First Nagorno-Karabakh War intensified, the town found itself caught in a brutal cycle of mutual shelling and blockade by Armenian and Azerbaijani forces. Stripped of essential supplies like electricity, gas, and water, Khojaly's defense rested on the shoulders of a small, lightly armed local force of about 160 men.

The Fateful Night and the Flight for Life

In early 1992, local Armenian and CIS forces launched a concerted offensive aimed at Khojaly. This assault compelled nearly the entire Azerbaijani population of the enclave to flee their homes in a desperate bid for safety. However, their escape was met with "unconscionable acts of violence against civilians," as later reported by international observers.

The night of February 26, 1992, proved to be particularly devastating. As Armenian forces seized control of Khojaly, they either took prisoner or killed those civilians who remained in the town. Simultaneously, a large number of Azerbaijani civilians, mixed with some armed troops, attempted to evacuate the town, hoping to reach Azerbaijani-controlled territories. Tragically, these fleeing refugees were fired upon by local Armenian forces, an act that resulted in the deaths of hundreds.

The Human Toll and Lasting Impact

The Khojaly massacre marked a critical turning point in the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. The scale of the human tragedy remains a point of deep contention and sorrow. Azerbaijani authorities claim a death toll of 613 civilians, including 106 women and 63 children. Independent assessments, such as that by Human Rights Watch, confirmed the deaths of at least 200 Azerbaijanis, noting that the actual figure could potentially be as high as 500 to 1,000. Regardless of the precise number, the event stands as a stark reminder of the devastating human cost of armed conflict.

This tragedy, alongside the Karabakh Armenian seizure of Shusha, the capture of Lachin and its vital corridor connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, and the June 1992 Azerbaijani offensive against the Mardakert Province, collectively defined the intense and brutal character of the war in 1992. The Khojaly massacre remains a deeply painful memory and a subject of ongoing historical debate and political significance for both Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Khojaly Massacre

What was the Khojaly massacre?
The Khojaly massacre was a mass killing of Azerbaijani civilians and some armed troops by irregular Armenian forces and the 366th Commonwealth of Independent States Guards Motor Rifle Regiment during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War.
When did the Khojaly massacre occur?
The primary events of the massacre took place on the night of February 26, 1992.
Where did the Khojaly massacre happen?
It occurred in the town of Khojaly, which was located within the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast at the time.
Who were the victims of the Khojaly massacre?
The victims were Azerbaijanis, primarily civilians, including women and children, as well as some local armed defenders.
Who was responsible for the Khojaly massacre?
Responsibility is attributed to local irregular Armenian forces and the 366th Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Guards Motor Rifle Regiment, as documented by various human rights organizations and reports.
What was the approximate death toll?
Azerbaijani authorities claim 613 civilians were killed. Human Rights Watch reported at least 200 deaths, with the possibility of the total reaching between 500 and 1,000.
Why was Khojaly strategically important?
Khojaly was strategically important primarily because it housed the only airport in the Nagorno-Karabakh region in 1992, making it a critical point for supply lines and control.