The Southern Offensives: Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Qubadli, and Zangilan

During the second half of 1993, Armenian forces continued advancing into districts south and southwest of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The principal areas affected included Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Qubadli, and Zangilan.

These operations produced some of the largest movements of Azerbaijani civilians during the war.

Fuzuli

Armenian forces advanced into the Fuzuli district in August 1993.

The district's principal town and surrounding settlements came under Armenian control, although Azerbaijani forces retained portions of the district.

The offensive caused extensive displacement.

Residents abandoned homes, farmland, livestock, and businesses.

Jabrayil

The Jabrayil district was also captured during the August 1993 offensives.

The region contained Azerbaijani villages, agricultural settlements, and important transportation routes.

Its capture extended Armenian control toward the southern borderlands.

Qubadli

Armenian forces captured Qubadli in late August 1993.

The district lay between Armenia, Lachin, and the southern areas of Azerbaijan.

Its capture helped consolidate Armenian-controlled territory west and southwest of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Zangilan

In October 1993, Armenian forces advanced into Zangilan, near Azerbaijan's border with Iran.

The offensive produced a severe humanitarian crisis.

Large numbers of Azerbaijani civilians fled toward the Aras River, attempting to reach Iran or other areas outside the fighting.

Some crossed the river under dangerous conditions.

The Iranian government became involved in emergency humanitarian assistance as refugees approached or crossed the border.

International response

On October 14, 1993, the Security Council adopted Resolution 874, supporting a negotiated timetable for withdrawal and an end to hostilities.

On November 12, it adopted Resolution 884, condemning the occupation of Zangilan and the Horadiz area, attacks on civilians, and the continuation of military operations.

The four resolutions adopted in 1993—822, 853, 874, and 884—became central international documents concerning the war.

They reaffirmed the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, called for an end to hostilities, demanded withdrawals from occupied areas, and supported diplomatic negotiations.

The resolutions did not themselves determine a final political status for Nagorno-Karabakh.