July 23 marks 21st anniv. of Akna (Aghdam) liberation July 23, 2014 - 15:37 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - July 23 marks the 21st anniversary of Aghdam (Akna) liberation. Liberation of Shushi in 1992 decreased but didn’t eliminate the threat to the towns of Nagorno Karabakh Republic. Azerbaijani military-political leadership viewed its air force and heavy artillery as means of intimidating the Armenian population, rather than fulfillment of fire support tasks. After the Shushi liberation, Azeri military leadership transported most artillery to Agdam province, with the enemy group posing constant danger to Martakert and Martuni defensive provinces of the NKR. All the surrounding settlements including Stepanakert were shelled from Agdam; Armenian villages of Askeran, Martakert and Martuni provinces were destroyed, with Askeran almost entirely ravaged by Azeri artillery. Hence, seizure of Agdam and suppression of firing points became a vital necessity. On July 23, Artsakh forces launched an offensive on both sides and seized the town, forcing out the Azeris. “The population didn’t want us to defend them. They all fled the town,” an Azeri officer recollected. Agdam liberation ensured Askeran civilians’ security. Moreover, the operation eliminated the threat to systematic shelling of NKR capital, as well as attacks against Askeran and neighboring provinces. In November of 2010, the NKR government ruled to rename the town of Agdam to Akna, with a status of a province. Akna, which currently has a population of 360, may in future regain the status of an independent settlement. Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. |