Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the People`s Republic of China

That night Armenian nationalists with help of Russian 366th regiment committed one of the bloodiest tragedies of the XX century - the Khojaly bloodshed. The defense of this strategic settlement wasn't efficiently organized. The self-defense battalion of Khojaly consisting of 80 men wasn't equipped with any armored cars and guns. Only mortar battery of the 2nd battalion of Shikh brigade consisting of 20 men was helping them.

That night Armenian military units together with the 366th motor-rifle regiment of Russia (2 battalions out of 3 with their full complement, the other partially), besides hired assassins brought from abroad attacked Khojaly. The first blow was at the airport situated near the town. Though the defenders were few in number and weren't armed well, were fighting bravely. The commander of Special Nominations Unit Alif Hajiyev was especially notable.

But forces were unequal. The brave commander died a dearth of a hero in this battle. After a strong preparatory bombardment tanks and armored cars invaded the town. Street battles began. Dozens of men were killed, wounded and taken prisoners. Khojaly was ruined and burnt down. A part of people who saved their lives ran in Aghdam direction. Spending a snowy, frosty night barefooted, bare-headed in the forest most refugees congealed, some of them being wounded couldn't endure and died. The rest were shot down when they were going out of the forest, in the place called "Garagaya", 6 kms far from Khojaly. Hundreds of helpless women, old and children were killed. Those who were running in Abdal-Ghulabli direction were shot down. Armenian bloodsuckers tortured the wounded men, disfigured the corpses, raped the women and girls.

In this genocide committed by Armenians against the Azeri-Turks 613 men were killed, 487 mutilated, 1275 taken prisoners. 8 families were absolutely annihilated.