At the end of the First Karabakh War, on March 27, 1993, Armenian forces launched an attack on Kalbajar, a strategically important region located between Armenia and Karabakh. After committing numerous war crimes, the Armenians fully occupied the region in April 1993. Due to the harsh winter conditions, the limited number of Azerbaijani forces defending Kalbajar, the injuries sustained by soldiers, and a shortage of military equipment, the defense operations were unsuccessful. The Armenians attacked from four directions, including the already captured Lachin corridor, and established control over the area. On March 29, Armenian armed groups cut off the supply routes for the defenders of Kelbajar and captured several key heights, including the highest peak, the strategic Murovdag Mountain.
On the night of April 1 to 2, thousands of civilians were forced to leave their homes and cross mountain passes despite harsh weather conditions. The Armenians’ cruelty in Kalbajar resulted in numerous war crimes, including the forced displacement of the civilian population, killings, and kidnappings. By April 3, Armenian forces had fully established control over Kalbajar city and the entire region.
The capture of Kalbajar caused a strong international reaction. On April 30, 1993, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 822, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Armenian forces from the occupied territories. However, the occupation of Kalbajar continued until November 2020, when Azerbaijan regained control of the area as a result of the Second Karabakh War.
The Kalbajar battle became one of the key episodes of the First Karabakh War and influenced the further course of the conflict. This tragic chapter in history has become a symbol of the heavy trials faced by Azerbaijan, leaving a deep mark on the memories of thousands of people.
