Battle of Hadrut

{{Main|First Nagorno-Karabakh War|Operation Ring}}

Hadrut is a town located in south-west Azerbaijan, within the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region. From 10 September 1939, Hadrut was the capital of Hadrut District within the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic until the abolishment of the Autonomous Oblast on 26 November 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the Abolishment of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast of the Republic of Azerbaijan {{cite web|title=Archived copy|url=http://e-qanun.az/print.php?internal=view&target=1&docid=6783&doctype=0|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424015234/http://e-qanun.az/print.php?internal=view&target=1&docid=6783&doctype=0|archive-date=2012-04-24|access-date=2011-08-30}} During the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, in 1991, the Azerbaijani residents of Hadrut had to leave the town due to inter-ethnic conflict.{{Cite web |url=http://www.memo.ru/hr/hotpoints/karabah/HOJALY/Chapter1.htm#_VPID_5 |title=Доклад правозащитного центра "Мемориал" о массовых нарушениях прав человека, связанных с занятием населенного пункта Ходжалы в ночь с 25 на 26 февраля 1992 г. вооружёнными формированиями |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100731043945/http://www.memo.ru/hr/hotpoints/karabah/Hojaly/Chapter1.htm#_VPID_5 |archive-date=31 July 2010 |publisher=Memorial |language=ru }} In May of the same year, as part of Operation Ring, Soviet Internal Security Forces and OMON forcibly deported hundreds of Armenians living in the town.{{cite book|last1=de Waal|first1=Thomas|author-link1=Thomas de Waal|title=Black Garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan Through Peace and War|date=2013|publisher=NYU Press|page=116|edition=2nd (revised and updated)}} The town came under the control of the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army on 2 October 1992. Hadrut's location is strategically important and connects southern parts of Karabakh to Stepanakert and Shusha.

{{Main|Second Nagorno-Karabakh War}}

On 27 September 2020, clashes broke out in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is de facto controlled by the self-proclaimed and unrecognized Republic of Artsakh, but is de jure part of Azerbaijan.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54314341 |title=Armenia and Azerbaijan fight over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh |date=27 September 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |language=en |publisher=BBC }} Two days later, Azerbaijani officials stated their forces destroyed an Armenian command-and-observation post in Hadrut.{{Cite news |url=https://apa.az/en/azerbaijan-army-azerbaijani-armed-forces/Azerbaijan's-MoD:-Enemy's-command-and-observation-post-on-site-of-Hadrut-completely-destroyed-331519 |title=Azerbaijan's MoD: Enemy's command-and-observation post on site of Hadrut completely destroyed |website=APA.az |access-date=18 October 2020 |date=29 September 2020 |language=en }}

On 1 October, Artsakh authorities stated that Hadrut was being shelled by Azerbaijani artillery.{{Cite news |url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2020/10/01/hadrut-attacked/1749719 |title=Azerbaijani armed forces strike Karabakh's Hadrut with Smerch MLRS, civilians injured: MOD |website=Aysor.am |access-date=18 October 2020 |date=2 October 2020 |language=en }} The Azerbaijani MoD stated that Azerbaijani forces were striking military facilities, namely the headquarters of the 18th Motorized Rifle Division, as well as the infrastructure of the 1st Motorized Rifle Regiment of the aforementioned division.{{Cite news |url=https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/3308987.html |title=Defense ministry: Azerbaijani army strikes only at military facilities |agency=Trend News Agency |access-date=18 October 2020 |date=1 October 2020 |language=en }} The following day, Artsakh authorities stated that the Azerbaijani forces targeted Hadrut with Smerch MLRS twice.{{Cite news |url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2020/10/02/hadrut-smerch/1750402 |title=Azerbaijan again targets civilians, attacks Hadrut with artillery: MOD representative |website=Aysor.am |access-date=18 October 2020 |date=2 October 2020 |language=en }}{{Cite news |url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2020/10/02/hadrut-smerch-new/1750469 |title=Azerbaijan strikes Hadrut with Smerch for the second time today: MOD representative |website=Aysor.am |access-date=18 October 2020 |date=2 October 2020 |language=en }}

On 4 October Azerbaijani President Aliyev announced that Azerbaijani forces had taken control of the city of Jabrayil{{Cite web|date=4 October 2020|title=President Ilham Aliyev: 'Azerbaijani Army liberates Jabrayil city and several villages of the region'|url=https://apa.az/en/politics_of_azerbaijan/President-Ilham-Aliyev:-%22Azerbaijani-Army-liberates-Jabrayil-city-and-several-villages-of-the-region%22-332050|access-date=4 October 2020|website=APA.az|language=en|quote={{-'}}Today, the Azerbaijani army liberated the city of Jabrayil and several villages in the region.}} as well as several settlements in Jabrayil District.{{Cite web|date=4 October 2020|title=President Ilham Aliyev: Jabrayil city and 9 villages of the region liberated from occupation|url=https://apa.az/en/nagorno_garabagh/President-Ilham-Aliyev:-Jabrayil-city-and-9-villages-of-the-region-liberated-from-occupation-332056|access-date=4 October 2020|website=APA.az|language=en|quote=President İlham Aliyev said the city of Jabrayil and 9 villages of the region were liberated from the occupation: 'Today, Karkhulu, Shukurbayli, Chereken, Dashkasan, Horovlu, Mahmudlu, Jafarabad, Yukhari Maralyan, Decal villages of Jabrayil region have been liberated from occupation.{{'-}}}} On 7 October, the Azerbaijani MoD stated that the Azerbaijani forces were in control of Jabrayil District,{{Cite web |url=https://apa.az/en/frontline-news/Ministry-of-Defense:-Azerbaijani-Army-has-full-dominance-in-the-direction-of-Jabrayil-332275 |title=Ministry of Defense: Azerbaijani Army has full dominance in the direction of Jabrayil |website=APA.az |date=7 October 2020 |access-date=7 October 2020 |language=en |quote={{-'}}Armenia's Ministry of Defense spread disinformation for the next time on so-called "losses" of our units in the direction of Jabrayil', Ministry of Defense told APA. It has been noted in the information that news, spread by the Armenian side is groundless and false: 'Our Army continues its counter-attack operations successfully in the direction of Jabrayil and has full dominant before the enemy'. |archive-date=9 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009190056/https://apa.az/en/frontline-news/Ministry-of-Defense:-Azerbaijani-Army-has-full-dominance-in-the-direction-of-Jabrayil-332275 |url-status=live }} just south of the town.

On 5 October, the Azerbaijani MoD stated that a battalion of the 1st Armenian Motorized Rifle Regiment, stationed in Hadrut, had fled.{{Cite web |url=https://azertag.az/en/xeber/Azerbaijans_Ministry_of_Defense_Armenia_cannot_supply_its_troops_at_the_front-1604827 |title=Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense: Armenia cannot supply its troops at the front |website=azertag.az |publisher=Azerbaijan State News Agency |date=5 October 2020 |access-date=5 October 2020 |language=en |quote=There is a shortage of food and fuel in the area of defense responsibility of the 1st motorized rifle regiment of the Armenian armed forces in Hadrut. Leaving their combat positions, the military personnel of the 3rd battalion of the regiment fled without permission. The drivers of the military unit, also leaving their military equipment and vehicles, fled from the combat zone. |archive-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006230333/https://azertag.az/en/xeber/Azerbaijans_Ministry_of_Defense_Armenia_cannot_supply_its_troops_at_the_front-1604827 |url-status=live }} On 7 October, the Armenian authorities stated that the Azerbaijani forces were shelling Hadrut{{Cite news |url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2020/10/07/hadrut-shelled/1753690 |title=Karabakh's Hadrut under attack: Artstun Hovhannisyan |website=Aysor.am |access-date=18 October 2020 |date=7 October 2020 |language=en }} with heavy artillery.{{Cite news |url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2020/10/07/hovhannisyan-troops/1753704 |title=Fighting continues all day long, Armenian troops fulfill their task brilliantly: MOD representative |website=Aysor.am |access-date=18 October 2020 |date=7 October 2020 |language=en }}

On 9 October, at approximately 17:00, the Azerbaijani President announced that Azerbaijani forces had taken control of Hadrut,{{Cite news |url=https://apa.az/en/nagorno_garabagh/President-of-Azerbaijan:-%22Hadrut-settlement-and-several-villages-liberated-from-occupation%22-332509 |title=President of Azerbaijan: 'Hadrut settlement and several villages liberated from occupation' |website=APA.az |access-date=9 October 2020 |date=9 October 2020 |language=en |quote=Azerbaijan's Hadrut settlement and several villages were liberated from Armenian aggressors, President Ilham Aliyev said this in his address to the nation, APA reports. |archive-date=10 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010123613/https://apa.az/en/nagorno_garabagh/President-of-Azerbaijan:-%22Hadrut-settlement-and-several-villages-liberated-from-occupation%22-332509 |url-status=live }} together with Əfəndilər, Qışlaq, Sor in south, Qaracallı, Süleymanlı, Yuxarı Güzlək, and Gorazıllı in the south-east of the town;{{Cite web |url=https://www.azernews.az/nation/170348.html |title=Azerbaijani Army liberates Hadrut settlement and several villages [UPDATE] |publisher=AzerNews |access-date=9 October 2020 |date=9 October 2020 |language=en |quote=Villages, liberated by the Azerbaijani Army from occupation besides Hadrut settlement, have been revealed, APA reports. President Ilham Aliyev said in his address to the nation that besides Hadrut settlement, Chayli, Yukhari Guzlak, Gorazili, Gishlag, Garajali, Afandilar, Sur, and Suleymanli villages have been liberated from the occupation: 'Operation is being executed fully', stressed head of state. |archive-date=10 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010123614/https://apa.az/en/nagorno_garabagh/Azerbaijani-Army-liberates-Hadrut-settlement-and-eight-villages-from-occupation-colorredLISTcolor-332510 |url-status=live }} This was denied by the self-proclaimed President of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, who stated that the Artsakh Defence Army was in full control of Hadrut.{{cite web|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1031176.html|title=President of Artsakh highly appreciates combat readiness of servicemen in Hadrut|date=10 October 2020|work=Armenpress}} "Komsomolskaya Pravda", and "BBC Russian Service" also contested Aliyev's statements, stating that the town was under Azerbaijani control.{{Cite web |url=https://www.kp.ru/daily/217193.5/4302036/ |title=На Степанакерт совершена новая атака |date=11 October 2020 |access-date=21 October 2020 |publisher=Komsomolskaya Pravda |language=ru }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/russian/news-54514714 |title=Война в Карабахе, день 16-й: умозрительное перемирие и 96 погибших у армян |date=12 October 2020 |access-date=21 October 2020 |publisher=BBC Russian Service |language=ru }}

Just before 04:00 (00:00 GMT) on October 10, Russia reported that both Armenia and Azerbaijan had agreed on a humanitarian ceasefire after 10 hours of talks in Moscow (the Moscow Statement) and announced that both would enter "substantive" talks.{{Cite web|date=2020-10-09|title=Russia sponsors Nagorno-Karabakh cease-fire talks|url=https://apnews.com/article/nikol-pashinian-moscow-azerbaijan-russia-vladimir-putin-4b5efde30aca9502505c8c5017e87d8c|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009175500/https://apnews.com/article/nikol-pashinian-moscow-azerbaijan-russia-vladimir-putin-4b5efde30aca9502505c8c5017e87d8c|archive-date=2020-10-09|access-date=2020-10-10|website=AP NEWS}}{{Cite news|last=Hovhannisyan|first=Nailia Bagirova, Nvard|date=2020-10-10|title=Armenia and Azerbaijan accuse each other of violating Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-armenia-azerbaijan-diplomacy-idUKKBN26V007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010064528/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-armenia-azerbaijan-diplomacy-idUKKBN26V007|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 October 2020|access-date=2020-10-10}} Hostilities were formally halted at 12:00 (08:00 GMT), to allow an exchange of prisoners and the recovery of the dead, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).{{Cite web|date=10 October 2020|title=Armenia and Azerbaijan agree Karabakh truce|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54488386|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010053450/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54488386|archive-date=10 October 2020|access-date=10 October 2020|website=BBC News|language=en}}

Nevertheless, the ceasefire was heavily violated by the both sides, leading to the ICRC halting attempts to recover the dead and exchange wounded and prisoners.{{Cite web|last=Bociurkiw|first=Opinion by Michael|title=Opinion: The conflict we can't ignore|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/13/opinions/nagorno-karabakh-conflict-we-cant-ignore-bociurkiw/index.html|access-date=2020-10-15|website=CNN|date=14 October 2020 }}

Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other of bombarding civilian settlements prior to the ceasefire, with both sides denying the other's accusations.{{Cite web|date=2020-10-10|title=Armenia, Azerbaijan say Nagorno-Karabakh truce fails to hold|url=https://apnews.com/article/moscow-azerbaijan-russia-armenia-sergey-lavrov-7551be8ce8ad970521a09278479d98bf|access-date=2020-10-10|website=AP NEWS}}{{Cite news|date=2020-10-10|title=Nagorno-Karabakh: Armenia and Azerbaijan shaky ceasefire in force|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-54488386|access-date=2020-10-10|archive-date=10 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010002202/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-54488386|url-status=live}} Each side also accused the other of breaking the ceasefire.{{Cite web|date=10 October 2020|title=Air raid sirens activated in Stepanakert City|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1031095.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010123606/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1031095.html|archive-date=10 October 2020|access-date=10 October 2020|publisher=Armenpress|language=en}} On 10 October, heavy fighting occurred in Hadrut, accompanied by shelling, with Azerbaijan moving deeper into the conflict zone. According to the Foreign Ministry of Artsakh, an operation to neutralize an Azerbaijani "sabotage and reconnaissance group" was underway in Hadrut.{{cite web|date=10 October 2020|title=Конфликт Армении с Азербайджаном. Что важно знать|trans-title=The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. What to know|url=https://www.rbc.ru/politics/10/10/2020/5f7067be9a794753f86fb7b5|website=RBC|language=ru}} This group reportedly consisted of 200 men and infiltrated the town from both sides.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/russian/live/news-54317944?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=5f81c8f38baf0c02d0e7886f%26%D0%90%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%80%20%D0%9A%D0%BE%D1%86,%20%D1%81%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%86%D0%BA%D0%BE%D1%80%20%22%D0%9A%D0%BE%D0%BC%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%BB%D1%8C%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B9%20%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B4%D1%8B%22,%20%D0%BE%20%D1%81%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%83%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%B8%20%D0%B2%20%D0%93%D0%B0%D0%B4%D1%80%D1%83%D1%82%D0%B5%262020-10-10T14:49:24.492Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:2ee8672a-b40a-494d-b3de-981203c661f0&pinned_post_asset_id=5f81c8f38baf0c02d0e7886f&pinned_post_type=share |title=Александр Коц, спецкор "Комсомольской правды", о ситуации в Гадруте |date=10 October 2020 |access-date=21 October 2020 |publisher=BBC Russian Service |language=ru }} According to Hadrut authorities, Azerbaijani attack on Hadrut was not supported by either artillery fire or tanks, and the group's goal was to "fix its presence."{{Cite web |url=https://www.kp.ru/daily/217193.5/4301894/ |title=Карабах во время перемирия: В Гадруте еще продолжаются бои |date=10 October 2020 |access-date=21 October 2020 |publisher=Komsomolskaya Pravda |language=ru }} Both Artsakh and Azerbaijan accused each other of attacking Hadrut, where both parties claimed a presence.{{Cite news|last=Hovhannisyan|first=Nailia Bagirova, Nvard|date=2020-10-11|title=Nagorno-Karabakh truce under severe strain as both sides allege violations|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-armenia-azerbaijan-idUKKBN26W06E|url-status=dead|access-date=2020-10-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011141156/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-armenia-azerbaijan-idUKKBN26W06E|archive-date=2020-10-11}} The BBC Russian Service reported that the town was under Armenian control.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/russian/live/news-54317944?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=5f81ad988baf0c02d0e7880e%26%D0%9C%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%8B%20%D0%90%D1%80%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B8%20%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%89%D0%B0%D0%B5%D1%82%20%D0%BE%20%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%B5%20%D0%B2%20%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B5%20%D0%93%D0%B0%D0%B4%D1%80%D1%83%D1%82%D0%B0%262020-10-10T12:52:01.444Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:583345df-04c5-4769-8562-6998cb04be94&pinned_post_asset_id=5f81ad988baf0c02d0e7880e&pinned_post_type=share |title=АМинобороны Армении сообщает о бое в районе Гадрута|date=10 October 2020 |access-date=21 October 2020 |publisher=BBC Russian Service |language=ru }} In the evening, the Azerbaijani MoD stated that the Azerbaijani forces had repelled an Armenian offensive from Tuğ.

On 12 October, Azerbaijani President Aliyev stated that all the neighborhoods of Hadrut were under Azerbaijani control,{{Cite news |url=https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/3315144.html |title=President Ilham Aliyev interviewed by Turkish Haber Global TV channel (PHOTO) |agency=Trend News Agency |access-date=18 October 2020 |date=12 October 2020 |language=en }} and that Armenian Special Forces had tried to retake the town, but had been defeated.{{Cite news|date=2020-10-12|title=President: "Azerbaijani Army neutralized a large group of special forces, trying to reoccupy Hadrut this night"|language=en|website=APA.az|url=https://apa.az/en/nagorno_garabagh/President:-%22Azerbaijani-Army-neutralized-a-large-group-of-special-forces-trying-to-reoccupy-Hadrut-this-night%22-332752|access-date=2020-10-12|quote=They attempted to reoccupy Hadrut for several times. According to the information given to me this morning, a large group of special forces, coming from Armenia, tried to reoccupy Hadrut this night. However, from a strategic point of view, it does not have great importance for Armenia. They take such a step for just taking a selfie there, or reporting to their people.}} Meanwhile, the Armenian MoD stated that the town was under Armenian control, with Azerbaijani forces constantly attempting to make inroads into the town.{{Cite news |url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2020/10/12/hadrut-works/1755658 |title=Works on blockading and eliminating Azeri sabotage group in Hadrut underway: Defense Army |website=Aysor.am |access-date=18 October 2020 |date=12 October 2020 |language=en }}{{Cite news |url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2020/10/02/hadrut-smerch-new/1750469 |title=Azerbaijan strikes Hadrut with Smerch for the second time today: MOD representative |website=Aysor.am |access-date=18 October 2020 |date=12 October 2020 |language=en }}{{Cite news |url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2020/10/12/poghosyan-hadrut/1755681 |title=Azerbaijanis concentrate large forces in an attempt to penetrate to Hadrut: Artsakh president's spokesperson |website=Aysor.am |access-date=18 October 2020 |date=12 October 2020 |language=en }} The Armenian Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, later stated that military operations were occurring in the vicinity of Hadrut.{{Cite news |url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2020/10/12/humanitarian-ambassador/1756035?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=932d1e023e0795e777715390b99834b70a5d3821-1603039450-0-AfsZyMM8Lu99mT9bks9mm2lAC6NdsW2j_4s47dYQn3zJfdxp6DeaiSCXdSUgjPkQM2hw8uGcYOzqpuXdfYfd2s36W76M7_d3ioqVZt5GD1Wsm4qqye-t0AYLvswpNR0drWnN-q6sZo6low9CSi8rqzDca8j85FiUzzzLWB7V6yxSgMF64L9iHeXy3CQDerE6ivOMa99wiNeZ87KVMPdWkipa43O57-0STqKzZu9JnxfBVXsa1GoWiqn6Khc4rjL8QdH9xRrqF0tKR6xtuv1YhRfaqsBjWw3EnxqSuMoaXDQSPVl7uSEOfx-slA8C0goDvTzBaM_U8pIeHJyd-xMubac |title="The only effective way to prevent the imminent humanitarian crisis is the recognition of the right of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to self-determination" - PM to foreign diplomats |website=Aysor.am |access-date=18 October 2020 |date=12 October 2020 |language=en }} The next day, the Azerbaijani MoD released footage claimed to have been shot from Hadrut's center,{{Cite news|date=2020-10-13|title=Azerbaijani flag is waving in the center of Hadrut - VIDEO|language=en|website=APA.az|url=https://apa.az/en/politics_of_azerbaijan/Azerbaijani-flag-is-waving-in-the-center-of-Hadrut-colorredVIDEOcolor-332841|access-date=2020-10-13}} but a BBC Russian Service correspondent alleged that the footage was limited to neighboring heights and Tagaser, not Hadrut's center.{{Cite news|title=Война в Карабахе, день 17-й: тишина в Степанакерте и споры о взятии Гадрута|language=ru|work=BBC News Русская служба|url=https://www.bbc.com/russian/news-54531989|access-date=2020-10-14}} The next day, the Azerbaijani MoD stated that the situation in Hadrut had remained tense.{{Cite news |url=https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/3316260.html |title=Some Azerbaijani settlements under fire of Armenian Armed Forces - MoD |agency=Trend News Agency |access-date=18 October 2020 |date=14 October 2020 |language=en }}

On 14 October, the Azerbaijani MoD stated its forces had seized control of the settlement of Edişə in the west, together with Düdükçü, Ciraquz, and Edilli in the north of Hadrut.{{Cite web|date=15 October 2020|title=Azerbaijani Army liberates six more villages from occupation|url=https://report.az/en/nagorno-karabakh-conflict/azerbaijani-army-liberates-six-more-villages-from-occupation/|access-date=2020-10-18|agency=Report Information Agency}} On 16 October, the Armenian MoD stated that Tuğ and Qırmızı Bazar were being shelled by Azerbaijani forces.{{Cite news |url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2020/10/16/azerbaijan-berdashen/1757762 |title=Azerbaijan continues intensively shelling Artsakh's peaceful settlements |website=Aysor.am |access-date=18 October 2020 |date=16 October 2020 |language=en }} The same day, Azerbaijan stated it had seized control of Xırmancıq and Ağbulaq to the north of Hadrut, and Axullu in the north-east of Hadrut,{{Cite web |url=https://apa.az/en/politics_of_azerbaijan/President-Ilham-Aliyev-3-more-villages-liberated-from-occupation-333110 |title=President Ilham Aliyev: 3 more villages liberated from occupation |website=APA.az |date=16 October 2020 |access-date=18 October 2020 |language=en |quote=Azerbaijan’s glorious Army has liberated Khirmanjig, Agbulag, and Akhullu villages of Khojavend district. Long live Azerbaijan’s Army! Karabakh is Azerbaijan! }} while the Azerbaijani MoD released footage apparently showing Hadrut and surrounding villages under Azerbaijani control.{{Cite news |url=https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/3318335.html |title=Azerbaijan shows Hadrut settlement liberated from Armenia's occupation (VIDEO) |agency=Trend News Agency |access-date=18 October 2020 |date=16 October 2020 |language=en }} The Armenian MoD reiterated that they were still in control of Hadrut,{{Cite news |url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2020/10/16/hovhannisyan-hadrut/1758244 |title=Situation in Hadrut unchanged for past 3-4 days: MOD representative |website=Aysor.am |access-date=18 October 2020 |date=16 October 2020 |language=en }} but the Armenian authorities avoided providing a concrete answer to the questions of a BBC Russian Service correspondent regarding which side controlled the town.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/russian/live/news-54317944?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=5f89e355c898d102e44445cd%26%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%81-%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%8C%20%D0%9C%D0%9E%20%D0%90%D1%80%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B8%20%D1%83%D1%88%D0%B5%D0%BB%20%D0%BE%D1%82%20%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B0%20%D0%BD%D0%B0%20%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%81%2C%20%D1%81%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BD%20%D0%BB%D0%B8%20%D0%93%D0%B0%D0%B4%D1%80%D1%83%D1%82%262020-10-16T18%3A15%3A51.018Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:dd59f615-65bb-486f-9337-adc94d2c7e3c&pinned_post_asset_id=5f89e355c898d102e44445cd&pinned_post_type=share |title=Пресс-секретарь МО Армении ушел от ответа на вопрос, сдан ли Гадрут |publisher=BBC Russian Service |access-date=21 October 2020 |date=16 October 2020 |language=ru }}

On 17 October, the Azerbaijani MoD stated that the situation in Hadrut remained tense.{{Cite news |url=https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/3318535.html |title=Azerbaijan Army managed to move forward in various directions of front line |agency=Trend News Agency |access-date=18 October 2020 |date=18 October 2020 |language=en }} On 18 October, an RIA Novosti correspondent reported an exchange of heavy artillery near Hadrut.{{Cite web |url=https://ria.ru/20201018/karabakh-1580339684.html |title=В Карабахе в районе Гадрута продолжается артиллерийское противостояние |date=18 October 2020 |access-date=18 October 2020 |publisher=RIA Novosti |language=ru }} Subsequently, the Azerbaijani MoD claimed to have downed an Armenian Su-25 warplane in the region; Armenia issued a denial.{{Cite web|title=Baku says Armenia's Su-25 attack plane destroyed|url=https://tass.com/world/1213471|access-date=2020-10-18|website=TASS}} The next day, the Azerbaijani MoD stated that the situation in Hadrut and the surrounding areas were relatively stable{{Cite news |url=https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/3319057.html |title=Azerbaijani troops monitoring operational situation along entire front line - Azerbaijani MoD |agency=Trend News Agency |access-date=19 October 2020 |date=19 October 2020 |language=en }} but then stated that the Azerbaijani forces continued combat operations against the Armenian forces in the surroundings of the town and penetrated their defences. Approximately one hour later, it stated that Armenian forces had attacked Azerbaijani lines around the town but had been repelled.{{Cite news |url=https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/3319102.html |title=Armenian army attempts to attack directions of Agdare, Fuzuli, Hadrut and Jabrayil |agency=Trend News Agency |access-date=19 October 2020 |date=19 October 2020 |language=en }} In the evening, the Azerbaijani authorities released images demonstrating a presence within the town.{{Cite news |url=https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/karabakh/3319598.html |title=Azerbaijani MoD shows soldiers who liberated Hadrut from Armenian occupation (PHOTO) |agency=Trend News Agency |access-date=19 October 2020 |date=19 October 2020 |language=en }} On 20 October, beginning in the morning, heavy clashes occurred near Hadrut,{{Cite news |url=https://ria.ru/20201020/karabakh-1580581807.html |title=Баку заявил об интенсивных боях в Карабахе |date=20 October 2020 |access-date=20 October 2020 |publisher=RIA Novosti |language=ru }} with Azerbaijani offensives taking place,{{Cite news |url=https://ria.ru/20201020/karabakh-1580584259.html |title=Карабах заявил об интенсивных ночных боях на юге республики |date=20 October 2020 |access-date=20 October 2020 |publisher=RIA Novosti |language=ru }} accompanied by artillery support.{{Cite news |url=https://ria.ru/20201020/karabakh-1580590254.html |title=Ереван обвинил Баку в применении авиации и артиллерии на севере Карабаха |date=20 October 2020 |access-date=20 October 2020 |publisher=RIA Novosti |language=ru }} Two days later, the Azerbaijani MoD stated that the Armenian volunteers recently arrived to the north of Hadrut had fled,{{Cite web |url=https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/3321409.html |title=Armenian armed forces exposed to heavy casualties - Azerbaijani MoD |agency=Trend News Agency |date=22 October 2020 |access-date=22 October 2020 |language=en }} while Artsakh authorities stated that clashes were taking place in Qirmizi Bazar, about {{convert|30|km|mi}} north of Hadrut.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/russian/live/news-54317944?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=5f929818c4548e02bf3cbfec%26%D0%9E%D0%B1%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%8B%20%D0%B8%20%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%B8%20%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B6%D0%B0%D1%8E%D1%82%D1%81%D1%8F%262020-10-23T08%3A45%3A13.175Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:31c2dd22-adba-4047-893f-5e95a4a75339&pinned_post_asset_id=5f929818c4548e02bf3cbfec&pinned_post_type=share |title=Обстрелы и бои продолжаются |date=23 October 2020 |access-date=23 October 2020 |publisher=BBC Russian Service |language=ru }} On 23 October, clashes occurred near Hadrut.{{Cite web |url=https://ria.ru/20201023/karabakh-1581124118.html |title=В Баку сообщили о боях в Карабахе в ночь на пятницу |date=23 October 2020 |access-date=23 October 2020 |publisher=RIA Novosti |language=ru }} On 27 October, the Armenian MoD stated that the Azerbaijani forces were shelling Khojavend; Azerbaijan issued a denial.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/russian/live/news-54686682?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=5f984f9c67645202b6c4c4a7%26%262020-10-27T16%3A49%3A33.492Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:cb3dfe21-4b49-4a3e-a3fa-f3ce1c509952&pinned_post_asset_id=5f984f9c67645202b6c4c4a7&pinned_post_type=share |title=Азербайджанские военные отрицают, что стреляли по Лачину. |date=27 October 2020 |access-date=27 October 2020 |publisher=BBC Russian Service |language=ru }}

As of 19 October, Armenian authorities reported 11 Armenian civilians killed in Hadrut and in surroundings areas during the battle; as of 10 October, Azerbaijani authorities reported one Azerbaijani medical worker seriously injured from shellfire.

As of 19 October, Azerbaijani authorities stated that at least 38 Armenian servicemen had been killed in an ambush, but that more were subsequently killed. Also, Azerbaijani authorities claimed the destruction of one command post, 14 T-72s, three BMP-2s, 22 other vehicles, 17 BM-21 "Grad" MLRS, seven artillery pieces, 15 D-1, D-20, and D-30 howitzers, five 2S1 "Gvozdika" howitzers, three 2A36 Hyacinth-B guns, three UAVs downed, 13 air defense systems destroyed, one ZSU-23-4 Shilkas, one radar station, and seven ammunition trucks.

After the signing of the trilateral peace deal, Arayik Harutyunyan, the self-proclaimed President of Artsakh stated that during the battle approximately 1000-1500 Armenian soldiers fled Hadrut.{{Cite web |url=https://armenianreport.com/ru/pubs/264747/ |title=Президент Арцаха: Мы все предатели, мы все виноваты |work=ArmenianReport |date=11 November 2020 |access-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201111194056/https://armenianreport.com/ru/pubs/264747/ |archive-date=11 November 2020 |language=ru |url-status=live }}

On 15 October, a video surfaced of two captured Armenians, 25-year-old Yuri Adamyan and 73-year-old Benik Hakobyan, being executed in Hadrut by Azerbaijani soldiers;{{Cite web|title=An Execution in Hadrut|url=https://www.bellingcat.com/news/rest-of-world/2020/10/15/an-execution-in-hadrut-karabakh/|access-date=2020-10-16|website=Bellingcat|date=15 October 2020 |language=en}} Artsakh authorities identified Hakobyan as a civilian of Hadrut.{{cite web|title=Azeri troops shoot Armenian war prisoners dead|url=https://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/286591/|access-date=2020-10-15|work=Panarmenian}} The Armenian representation in the European Court of Human Rights stated that they were investigating filing an official complaint with the court.{{cite web|title=Armenia examining footage of alleged execution of war prisoners by Azerbaijan for applying to ECHR|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1031696/|access-date=2020-10-15|work=Armenpress}} Bellingcat analysed the videos and concluded that the footage was real and that both the executed were Armenian combatants captured by Azerbaijani forces between 9 and 15 October and then executed. The BBC corroborated Bellingcat's investigation of the execution.{{Cite news|date=2020-10-24|title=Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: 'Execution' video prompts war crime probe|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-54645254|access-date=2020-10-24}}

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{{Nagorno-Karabakh conflict}}

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Category:Battles of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War

Category:Battles involving Armenia

Category:Battles involving Azerbaijan

Category:Operations involving Azerbaijani special forces

Category:October 2020 in Asia

Category:October 2020 in Europe

Category:Azerbaijani war crimes

Category:Extrajudicial killings in Asia

Category:Extrajudicial killings in Europe