Two mass graves have recently been uncovered in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region, believed to hold the remains of civilians who went missing during the First Karabakh War over 25 years ago. One grave was found near the city of Shusha, and the other along the Askeran-Khojaly road.
Standing at the site, Zeynab Farajzada of AnewZ reported from Khojaly, a district deeply scarred by the war. “Behind me, is a newly discovered mass grave, believed to date back more than 25 years,” she said, highlighting the grave’s connection to the conflict that ravaged the region.
Experts recently unearthed bone fragments believed to belong to at least seven individuals along the Askeran-Khojaly road. The remains were identified as those of civilians, who were reportedly tortured, bound, and buried. Experts from various state bodies confirmed that the remains belong to civilians who went missing during the First Karabakh War.
Eldar Samadov, Deputy Head of the Working Group of the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages, and Missing Persons, spoke about the discovery, revealing that “a total of 3,990 people have been registered as missing as a result of Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan.” He added, "The mass grave we uncovered today is yet another piece of evidence of Armenia's crimes, and it refutes claims made by the Armenian side that a humanitarian corridor had been established for the civilian population of Khojaly."
The search for missing persons has shed light on the fates of 170 Azerbaijani citizens in recent years, but many remain unaccounted for.
Konul Behbudova, a representative of the Karabakh Missing Families Community, shared her personal loss and the pain of thousands of others. "I lost my brother in the First Karabakh War, and for 33 years, I have had no information about his fate," she said, representing nearly 4,000 families of the missing. Her words echoed the sorrow felt by many, as the search for answers continues.
Amir Aliyev, a member of the International Community of Human Rights, emphasized the importance of bringing those responsible for these atrocities to justice. “The cultural heritage here has been seriously damaged, almost looted,” Aliyev stated, referring to the widespread destruction in the region. "Bringing those responsible for such crimes to justice is a well-established principle in international law."
The mass graves serve as stark reminders of the war’s devastating human toll. The First Karabakh War, fought between Azerbaijan and Armenia from 1988 to 1994, saw the Armenian military occupy Karabakh, a region internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven surrounding districts, including Khojaly.
In Khojaly, one of the war's most horrific episodes occurred during a two-hour Armenian offensive that led to the massacre of 613 Azerbaijani civilians, including 106 women, 63 children, and 70 elderly people. The massacre, which also left 487 others seriously injured, is known as the Khojaly Genocide. To date, around 150 of the 1,275 Azerbaijani civilians captured during the genocide remain missing, with entire families wiped out.
The second mass grave, located near Shusha at the intersection of the Shusha-Khankandi and Shusha-Lachin roads, contained at least five sets of remains. The discovery further highlights the ongoing efforts to uncover the war’s hidden human cost and seek justice for the victims of these historical atrocities.
Human bone fragments were found in Sirkhavand village of Azerbaijan’s Aghdam (Aghdara) district, prompting a full-scale investigation.
The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) has neutralized 36 anti-personnel mines, 23 anti-tank mines, and 377 unexploded ordnance during demining operations carried out between May 12 and 18 in the country’s liberated territories.
A 30-nation NomadMania delegation began a three-day tour of Azerbaijan’s Karabakh and East Zangezur on Thursday to survey post-war reconstruction and promote the region as a dark-tourism destination.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Yerevan has proposed signing a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, along with submitting a joint application to the OSCE for the dissolution of the Minsk Group on the same day.
President Ilham Aliyev addressed the “Facing the New World Order” forum at ADA University, highlighting Azerbaijan’s military capability during the Second Karabakh War and its adherence to international rules and human values.
At least 21 people, including children, have died in floods triggered by heavy rains in Nigeria’s Niger state, officials said.
Think tanks from across the Turkic world gathered in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for the second edition of a major forum focused on regional cooperation, culture, and strategy.
Moroccan firefighters are battling wildfires for a fourth straight day in the Houara Forest near Tangier, as high temperatures and strong winds complicate efforts to contain the flames.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Singapore Thursday for the final stop of his Southeast Asia tour.
U.S. Treasury official Scott Bessent said several large trade deals are nearing completion and that a potential call between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may be needed to resolve complex issues in ongoing talks.
AnewZ takes to the streets of Yerevan and Baku to ask a simple yet deeply complex question: How do you see peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan? In the first part of our special report, we hear the hopes, doubts, and scars still shaping people’s perspectives on both sides.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Kyiv faced a large-scale Russian drone and missile assault overnight, with explosions and gunfire echoing throughout the city, forcing residents to shelter in subway stations.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's first visit to Central Asia has begun in Uzbekistan. In Samarkand, a high-level meeting between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Italian officials resulted in the signing of several protocols and intergovernmental agreements.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev welcomed a high-level business delegation from the United Arab Emirates, highlighting deepening economic ties and future cooperation.
Kazakhstan launches Central Asia’s most powerful supercomputer, signaling a bold step in its digital transformation and AI ambitions.
President Ilham Aliyev met with a member of U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee to discuss bilateral ties and future cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United States.
Astana just opened a new chapter for financial integration among Turkic states — President Tokayev chaired the first-ever meeting of Central Bank governors from member countries.
At least 21 people, including children, have died in floods triggered by heavy rains in Nigeria’s Niger state, officials said.
Think tanks from across the Turkic world gathered in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for the second edition of a major forum focused on regional cooperation, culture, and strategy.
Moroccan firefighters are battling wildfires for a fourth straight day in the Houara Forest near Tangier, as high temperatures and strong winds complicate efforts to contain the flames.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Singapore Thursday for the final stop of his Southeast Asia tour.
U.S. Treasury official Scott Bessent said several large trade deals are nearing completion and that a potential call between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may be needed to resolve complex issues in ongoing talks.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment