After Shushi liberation Artsakh war entered new stage (video)
May 8 marks the 23rd anniversary of the liberation of Karabakh town of Shushi. During the years of the Artsakh war, the liberation of Shushi was a historical necessity, which marked a new stage, a decisive turning point in the war. The liberation of Shushi was also an economic necessity, since Azerbaijani forces shelled Stepanakert and its neighboring areas from Shushi which has a geographically higher location. Shushi was built as a fortress. Until a century ago it played a significant role in the cultural and economic life of not only Nagorno Karabakh, but also the entire South Caucasus. The operation of Shushi liberation began on the night of May 8, 1992. During the war unleashed by Azerbaijan, Shushi was turned into Azerbaijani military stronghold. Shushi was protected by 2,500 Azerbaijani soldiers armed to the teeth. A total of 3,800 volunteers were fighting from the Armenian side under the command of Arkady Ter-Tadevosyan, a commander of the Artsakh self-defense. The attack was carried out in four directions. Meticulously designed and planned actions yielded the desired result thanks to the high morale of Armenian soldiers, combined with skillful command. Realizing need to save the endangered population and to liberate most territories of Artsakh, made Armenians finish the operation in 26 hours. The Armenian side sustained 58 losses, while Azerbaijan - about 200. Shushi liberation was followed by an opening of humanitarian Lachin Corridor and the break through the blockade around NKR, the road of life between Artsakh and Armenia was opened.
