The participants of the third Shusha Global Media Forum under the theme “Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI”, traveled to Khojaly after their stop in Aghdam.

They were informed about the atrocities committed during the 30-year occupation by Armenians, the Azerbaijani Army’s successful anti-terror measures in September 2023 that restored the country’s sovereignty, and the extensive reconstruction efforts underway in liberated territories, including Khojaly.

The forum participants learned about the tragic events of February 25–26, 1992, when Armenian armed forces attacked Khojaly, committing mass atrocities. The city was destroyed, and 613 civilians were killed, including 106 women, 63 children, and 70 elderly individuals. Eight families were completely wiped out, 25 children lost both parents, and 130 lost one parent. Additionally, 487 people, including 76 children, were severely injured, and 1,275 were taken hostage, with the fate of 150 individuals still unknown. The Khojaly genocide remains a source of deep anguish for the Azerbaijani people.

Today, Khojaly is being rebuilt as part of Azerbaijan’s comprehensive reconstruction efforts across all liberated territories. Former residents, once displaced, have already returned to Khojaly city and three villages of the district.