The capture of Shusha by Azerbaijan decided the outcome of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, forcing a ceasefire days later.
Key Facts
- Battle start
- 29 October 2020 (local fighting near city)
- Azerbaijani victory declared
- 8 November 2020
- Victory Day established
- 8 November declared national holiday in Azerbaijan
- Azerbaijani entry into city
- 6 November 2020 (special forces)
- Strategic road seized
- Part of Shusha–Lachin road, 4 November 2020
- War outcome
- Azerbaijan declared overall victory days after capture
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Advancing from Jabrayil and Hadrut, Azerbaijani forces pushed northward through forests and mountain passes into Shusha District. Shusha, described as the strategic backbone connecting Armenian-controlled Stepanakert to Armenia via the Lachin corridor, had been under bombardment since the conflict's start in late September 2020, making it a principal objective of the Azerbaijani offensive.
Beginning 29 October 2020, Azerbaijani forces fought Armenian and Artsakh defenders in and around Shusha. Special forces entered the city on 6 November, and after two days of intense urban combat described as among the war's bloodiest, Azerbaijani forces expelled Armenian defenders. President Ilham Aliyev announced Azerbaijani control on 8 November, confirmed by Artsakh's presidential office the following day.
The fall of Shusha severed a critical Armenian supply and defensive corridor, effectively deciding the war. A ceasefire agreement was signed shortly afterward, with Armenia and Artsakh acknowledging the loss. Azerbaijan declared 8 November Victory Day, renamed a Baku avenue in its honor, and created a military award for participants in the battle.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Ilham Aliyev (President of Azerbaijan).
Side B
1 belligerent
Arayik Harutyunyan (President of Artsakh), Nikol Pashinyan (Prime Minister of Armenia).