Azerbaijan marks anniversary of Khojaly killings

Azerbaijan on Wednesday marked the 34th anniversary of the killings in Khojaly, which authorities say occurred overnight on Feb. 25–26, 1992, during an assault by Armenian armed forces.

According to official accounts, the town was captured with the support of armored vehicles and personnel from a Soviet-era motorized rifle regiment stationed in Khankendi. Residents attempting to flee toward Aghdam were reportedly ambushed and fired upon.

Azerbaijani officials say 613 people were killed, including 63 children and 106 women. Eight families were entirely wiped out, 25 children lost both parents, and 130 lost one parent. A total of 487 people were injured and 1,275 were taken captive, with the fate of 150 still unknown.

Commemorations are held annually in Azerbaijan and abroad, with embassies and diaspora groups organizing memorial events, conferences, and exhibitions dedicated to the victims.