The Second Nagorno-Karabakh War of 2020

89. The Outbreak of War

On September 27, 2020, large-scale fighting began between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces over Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding territories.

The war involved artillery, armored vehicles, missiles, aircraft, and extensive use of unmanned aerial systems.

Azerbaijan possessed significant military advantages in several areas, including drone technology and military resources.

Turkey provided strong political and military support to Azerbaijan.

The conflict lasted approximately six weeks.

90. Military Developments and the Fall of Shusha/Shushi

Azerbaijani forces advanced across several fronts.

The fighting caused extensive casualties and destruction.

One of the decisive developments was Azerbaijan's capture of the city known as Shusha in Azerbaijani and Shushi in Armenian.

The city's strategic position overlooking Stepanakert made its capture militarily significant.

The loss severely weakened the Armenian military position.

91. The November 9–10 Ceasefire Agreement

On November 9, 2020, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia agreed to a trilateral ceasefire statement that took effect on November 10.

The agreement ended the major fighting.

Azerbaijan retained territories captured during the war.

Armenian forces withdrew from additional surrounding districts.

Russian peacekeepers were deployed to Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin corridor.

The agreement represented a major strategic defeat for the Armenian side.

It also triggered a domestic political crisis in Armenia.

92. The Consequences for Armenian Sovereignty

The 2020 war fundamentally altered Armenia's security environment.

It exposed weaknesses in military planning, defense technology, intelligence, and strategic assumptions.

The government faced widespread criticism.

Political opposition groups demanded accountability and leadership changes.

The war also intensified debates about Armenia's reliance on Russia, its relationships with other countries, and the future structure of national defense.

The conflict demonstrated that formal independence did not automatically guarantee territorial security.