The 10th Anniversary of the April Battles Celebrated in Neftchala

An event dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the 2016 April Battles was held in Neftchala district on April 2, 2026.

The event was attended by Mirhasan Seyidov, Head of Neftchala District Executive Power, responsible officials of the District Executive Power, leaders of the Neftchala district organization of the New Azerbaijan Party, law enforcement agencies, and various departments, enterprises, and organizations, representatives of administrative territorial districts and municipal members, intellectuals, families of martyrs, veterans, elders, public representatives, and religious figures.

Also invited to the event were Khatayi Bakhishov, former commander of the special purpose Intelligence Battalion in the Karabakh Battles, retired colonel, awarded the “Azerbaijani Flag” Order; Hikmat Aghayev, former commander of the “A” Special Purpose Detachment of the Special State Protection Service, retired colonel, awarded the “Azerbaijani Flag” Order; and Emin Aliyev, participant of the April and Karabakh Battles, chairman of the Neftchala branch of the Public Union "Karabakh Veterans, Disabled, and Families of Martyrs", Cavalier of the Order of the Azerbaijani Flag, retired lieutenant colonel.

First, the Martyrs' Memorial Complexes located in Neftchala city, Hasanabad settlement, and Ashaghi Garamanli village, as well as the graves of National Hero Samid Imanov and Warrant Officer Elimdar Safarov, who bravely fell as martyrs in the April Battles, were visited. Wreaths were laid, the dear memory of the martyrs was honored with deep respect, and prayers were recited.

During the event, a minute of silence was observed in memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and liberation of the lands of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the State Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played.

Mirhasan Seyidov, Head of Neftchala District Executive Power, delivered a speech, stating that the April Battles were not only a turning point in Azerbaijani history but also a clear example of our people's unwavering will, our state's strength, and our army's high combat capability. He emphasized that this Four-Day War once again demonstrated that the Azerbaijani people will never reconcile with occupation and will resolutely continue their struggle for the liberation of their lands. The successes achieved during those battles were showcased to the whole world as an indicator of the professionalism, modern armament, and fighting spirit of the Azerbaijani Army.

The strong state-building policy laid by National Leader Heydar Aliyev is successfully continued today by President Ilham Aliyev, and as a result of this policy, the Azerbaijani army has become one of the strongest military forces in the region. The successes achieved in the April Battles formed the ideological and military basis of the magnificent Victory gained in the 2020 Patriotic War. In these glorious 4-day battles, many brave servicemen of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, including our compatriots Major Samid Gulagha oglu Imanov and Elimdar Salimkhan oglu Safarov, ascended to the peak of martyrdom. By relevant decrees of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for their heroism, Major Samid Imanov was posthumously awarded the title of "National Hero of Azerbaijan", and Elimdar Safarov was awarded the 3rd degree medal "For Distinction in Military Service". The Head of the District Executive Power stated that the memory of the martyrs is always held high, and their families are surrounded by state care, noting that this attention and care will always continue, and prayed to Allah for mercy on all martyrs and health for veterans.

Other speakers at the event – Ulvi Farzaliyev, Chairman of the Neftchala district organization of the New Azerbaijan Party; Emin Aliyev, Chairman of the Neftchala branch of the Public Union "Karabakh Veterans, Disabled, and Families of Martyrs", participant of the April and Karabakh Battles, retired lieutenant colonel; Mustafa Aliyev, retired serviceman; Niyamaddin Mammadov, participant of the April Battles, retired serviceman; Gulagha Imanov, father of National Hero Samid Imanov; and Filara Ismayilova, mother of Patriotic War Hero Jamal Ismayilov – spoke about the causes of the April Battles and how the Azerbaijani soldier demonstrated professionalism, bravery, and heroism, inflicting devastating and crushing blows on the enemy during these battles. They emphasized that the victory achieved in the April Battles was the beginning of the magnificent Victory we achieved in the successful Günnüt operation, the Tovuz battles, the Patriotic War, and also during local anti-terror measures. The families of martyrs expressed their gratitude to Mr. President Ilham Aliyev and Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva for the attention and care shown to them, noting that this attitude is a great source of comfort and pride for them.

Within the framework of the event, a video clip reflecting the April Battles and the Patriotic War, demonstrating the strength, professionalism, and unity of the people and the army, was shown.