The Capture of Aghdam, July 1993

Aghdam was one of the most important Azerbaijani urban centers near Nagorno-Karabakh.

It served as a transportation, agricultural, and commercial center and was important to Azerbaijani military operations.

Its location east of Stepanakert made it strategically significant.

During the summer of 1993, Armenian forces launched an offensive toward Aghdam.

The city fell on July 23.

Military significance

Armenian commanders regarded Aghdam as a threat because Azerbaijani artillery and military formations in the area could support operations against Armenian-held positions.

The capture of the city removed an important Azerbaijani military base from the immediate vicinity of Nagorno-Karabakh.

It also expanded Armenian control substantially beyond the former autonomous oblast.

Displacement and destruction

The offensive forced large numbers of Azerbaijani civilians to flee.

After the city's capture, Aghdam suffered extensive looting, burning, and destruction.

Homes, public buildings, cultural facilities, and other infrastructure were severely damaged.

Human Rights Watch documented organized and widespread destruction of civilian property in areas captured by Armenian forces, including Aghdam.

The destruction of Aghdam became one of the most visible symbols of the war's long-term consequences for Azerbaijan.

United Nations Resolution 853

On July 29, 1993, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 853.

It condemned the seizure of Aghdam and other recently occupied areas and demanded the immediate, complete, and unconditional withdrawal of occupying forces from those areas.

The resolution also reaffirmed Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for the protection of civilians.

Despite international demands, the fighting continued.