news.am, Armenia
May 8 2011
Shushi liberation operation marks 19 anniversary
May 08, 2011 | 11:41
YEREVAN. - May 8 marks 19 anniversary of a unique operation on
liberation of strategic town of Shushi from Azerbaijani armed forces.
During the war unleashed by Azerbaijan, Shushi was turned into
Azerbaijani military stronghold. The opponent started shelling the
capital of Nagorno-Karabakh - Stepanakert in late 1991 using Shushi's
suitable location.
The situation deteriorated sharply in February 1992 when the
Azerbaijani military began to use multiple rocket launcher (BM-21
Grad).
The opponent fired systematically at residential areas of Stepanakert
to destroy maximum number of civilians. Hundreds of peaceful citizens
became victims of inhuman shelling. Stepanakert's existence was
threatened in April. In late May the Armenian commanders made the only
possible decision - to liberate Shushi from Azerbaijani armed forces
by means of a storm.
The operation was launched on the night of May 8, 1992 at 2: 24 a.m.
Shushi was protected by 2500 Azerbaijani soldiers armed to the teeth.
A total of 3,800 volunteers were fighting from the Armenian side under
the command of Arkady Ter-Tadevosyan, commander of the Artsakh
self-defense. Front line stretched for 45 kilometers.The attack was
carried out in several directions.
The operation was completed shortly due to high morale of Armenian
soldiers, combined with skillful command. The operation lasted about
26 hours. At 4:00 a.m. on May 9 Ter-Tadevosyan stated: all enemy units
left Shushi.
Earlier, vast majority of Azerbaijani civilian population left the
city as well. The Armenian side lost 58 soldiers, while Azerbaijan -
about 200.
Armenian servicemen put an end to shelling of Stepanakert and
systematic destruction of its civilian population.
From: A. Papazian
May 8 2011
Shushi liberation operation marks 19 anniversary
May 08, 2011 | 11:41
YEREVAN. - May 8 marks 19 anniversary of a unique operation on
liberation of strategic town of Shushi from Azerbaijani armed forces.
During the war unleashed by Azerbaijan, Shushi was turned into
Azerbaijani military stronghold. The opponent started shelling the
capital of Nagorno-Karabakh - Stepanakert in late 1991 using Shushi's
suitable location.
The situation deteriorated sharply in February 1992 when the
Azerbaijani military began to use multiple rocket launcher (BM-21
Grad).
The opponent fired systematically at residential areas of Stepanakert
to destroy maximum number of civilians. Hundreds of peaceful citizens
became victims of inhuman shelling. Stepanakert's existence was
threatened in April. In late May the Armenian commanders made the only
possible decision - to liberate Shushi from Azerbaijani armed forces
by means of a storm.
The operation was launched on the night of May 8, 1992 at 2: 24 a.m.
Shushi was protected by 2500 Azerbaijani soldiers armed to the teeth.
A total of 3,800 volunteers were fighting from the Armenian side under
the command of Arkady Ter-Tadevosyan, commander of the Artsakh
self-defense. Front line stretched for 45 kilometers.The attack was
carried out in several directions.
The operation was completed shortly due to high morale of Armenian
soldiers, combined with skillful command. The operation lasted about
26 hours. At 4:00 a.m. on May 9 Ter-Tadevosyan stated: all enemy units
left Shushi.
Earlier, vast majority of Azerbaijani civilian population left the
city as well. The Armenian side lost 58 soldiers, while Azerbaijan -
about 200.
Armenian servicemen put an end to shelling of Stepanakert and
systematic destruction of its civilian population.
From: A. Papazian