The Azerbaijani Summer Offensive of 1992

Following the Armenian capture of Shusha and Lachin, Azerbaijan launched major military operations to reverse its losses.

In June 1992, Azerbaijani forces began a large offensive in northern Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas.

The operation is often associated with the codename Goranboy.

Azerbaijani forces advanced through the Shahumyan region and into the northern part of Nagorno-Karabakh.

They captured numerous settlements and forced Armenian defenders to retreat.

The Armenian population of many villages fled.

Azerbaijani forces also made major gains in the Mardakert district, known in Azerbaijani as Aghdara.

For a period, Azerbaijan controlled a substantial portion of territory previously held by Armenian forces.

Azerbaijan's offensive benefited from armored vehicles, artillery, and other heavy weapons obtained during the breakup of Soviet military structures.

Azerbaijani forces used tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, rocket systems, and aircraft.

The offensive demonstrated that Azerbaijan retained significant military capabilities despite earlier defeats.

The fighting caused large-scale displacement among Armenian civilians in northern Nagorno-Karabakh.

Villages were damaged or destroyed, and many residents lost their homes.

Human Rights Watch documented Azerbaijani bombardment of civilian targets, hostage-taking, and abuses against Armenian civilians during this period.

The Azerbaijani offensive was one of the most serious threats faced by Karabakh Armenian forces during the entire war.