Casualties of Armenia and Azerbaijan Since 1991: Former Deputy Minister of Defense Publishes Numbers

Former Deputy Minister of Defense of Armenia Artak Zakaryan stated on his Facebook page: "From 1991 to the present, in the three wars over Artsakh (1991-94, 2016, and the autumn of 2020), the Armenian people, including the peaceful population, have suffered around 15,000 casualties and missing persons as a result of military duty, diversionary actions, positional battles, and landmine explosions at the borders of Armenia, Artsakh, and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has sustained approximately 43,500 casualties and missing persons.

Most of our casualties were young people, many of whom had not yet started families. In the first Artsakh war, we achieved an unprecedented victory due to the bravery of our fighting men, the unity and resilience of our people, and the professionalism and patriotism of our military-political leadership. Also significant was Russia's benevolent attitude towards our struggle for freedom, one reason being the pro-Turkish stance of the Azerbaijani president.

After the first war, we reconciled with our losses; their bravery and selflessness found meaning. Their descendants lived with pride by visiting Artsakh and Armenia's border regions. The first war gave us national heroes, highlighted numerous commanders, and positioned Armenia robustly at the global political table, earning respect for Armenians. This war inspired the establishment and development of the Armenian National Army. In the first war, there was even no need to declare martial law.

The next trial faced by our people was the April 2016 Four-Day War. Thanks to the national unity, the solid grip of the National Army’s defenses, the precise political and diplomatic actions by the military-political leadership, and the heroism and courage displayed by the soldiers, we were able to maintain our areas of influence and strengthen Armenia and Artsakh's political-diplomatic positions. International organizations and various countries condemned Azerbaijani aggression and military adventure one after another. We continued to honor our casualties from the April War while reconciling with the harsh realities of war. The respect for the Armenian people and Armenia’s role remained steadfast. Even in the April War, there was no need to declare martial law.

The fall war of 2020 was, unlike the April 2016 war, expected. It stemmed from the continuous gross mistakes and adventurism of Armenia's political leadership. We spoke many times about the imminent war. Nevertheless, our people united once again, defying the divisive actions of the authorities. Artsakh once again became the primary focus of everyone’s attention. The National Army did everything possible, and the units fought with high spirits of bravery and heroics. However, unlike the previous two wars, Armenia’s military-political leadership was incomparable in its ongoing mistakes and disorganization, often exhibiting dubious behavior. The international community was silent; Turkey had openly declared war against Armenia, and no one condemned the joint aggression of Azerbaijan and Turkey, which utilized unprecedented quantities of prohibited weaponry.

Instead of effective military-political and diplomatic actions, the Armenian government became embroiled in deception. Martial law was declared so that the supreme commander-in-chief could become an ordinary lying journalist, fabricating the war daily. The martial law was also meant to stifle other opinions aside from official lies. Even today, martial law serves to continue the post-war brutal consequences and to postpone responsibility for betrayal that the supreme commander-in-chief may face.

The casualties from this war became our collective grief, martyrs who rose to fight against national tragedy and loss of homeland. They did not know that the homeland could also be lost due to the incompetence and treachery of leaders. They believed, and still believe, that the only salvation of the Armenian People lies in their collective strength. Each of them must be revalued and forever crowned with glory because they went to defend the Homeland. They also fell so that an entire Armenian People understands that the fate of the Nation and the state should not be entrusted to risky incompetents.

Unfortunately, Armenia lost its regional and global standing. Armenia became a target for security issues, a mere bargaining chip among superpowers. Meanwhile, Artsakh became the sacrificial lamb of the Armenian government.

Glory and honor to all our heroes across time. Their deeds are immortal, their names live in the hearts of those who remain. We have no right to falter; we do not have the right to break our political thought and spirit. We must be reborn, restored, and strengthened again—for the memory of our holy martyrs and for the sake of our future generations."