Azerbaijani forces launched an intensive bombardment of Stepanakert (Khankendi), the capital of Nagorno-Karabakh, using GRAD multiple rocket launchers and artillery, beginning a months-long siege.
The Bombardment
Azerbaijani forces positioned:
- GRAD rocket systems in Shusha
- Artillery on surrounding heights
- Daily barrages targeting city
- Indiscriminate fire on residential areas
Civilian Impact
- Population: 60,000 trapped in city
- Casualties: Dozens killed, hundreds wounded
- Infrastructure: Power, water, heating disrupted
- Shelters: Residents lived in basements
Life Under Siege
Daily reality:
- Constant rocket attacks
- Food and medicine shortages
- No electricity or heating in winter
- Schools and hospitals targeted
- Underground life for survival
Strategic Objective
Azerbaijan aimed to:
- Force Armenian capitulation
- Demoralize population
- Prevent Karabakh functioning
- Demonstrate military superiority
Armenian Response
- Organized civil defense
- Underground facilities
- Counter-battery fire
- Plans for Shusha operation
International Reaction
- Human rights groups condemned attacks
- Media coverage increased
- Calls for ceasefire
- But no effective intervention
Turning Point
The siege of Stepanakert:
- Galvanized Armenian resistance
- Led to operation to capture Shusha
- Became symbol of civilian suffering
- Changed nature of conflict