Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan distributed an appeal in connection with the 33rd anniversary of the Khojalinsky massacre.
“On the 33rd anniversary of the Hodzhalinsky massacre, the tragedy, which we will never forget about, I have a deep sorrow of our killed Azerbaijani brothers,” the publication of the head of state on social networks says.
The President also expressed condolences to the brotherly people of Azerbaijan, pointing out the unity between the two countries. “We are one in good and bad times,” the Turkish leader emphasized.
On the night of February 25 to February 26, 1992, Armenian armed groups with the support of armored vehicles and personnel of the 366th motorized rifle regiment of the former Soviet Army occupied the city of Khojaly and made a brutal reprisal against the civilian population.
On that night, 2500 residents of Khojala who found themselves in the blockade ring tried to escape, moving in the direction of the city of Agdam. However, the Armenian armed groups from the ambush point blankly shot unarmed people: 613 civilians were killed, among them 63 children, 106 women and 70 old people.
Eight families were completely destroyed, 25 children became complete orphans, 130 children lost one parent, 487 people, including 76 children, were injured, 1275 people were captured. About the fate of 150 people, including 68 women and 26 children, still does not know anything.
According to official figures, as a result of the occupation by illegal Armenian armed forces of the city of Khojaly, the destruction and looting of state and private property, the Azerbaijani state and its citizens were damaged in the amount of 170 million US dollars.