Operation 'Hell's Gorge': Planning in Artsakh to Stop the Enemy and Who is Responsible for Its Failure - WarGonzo

The WarGonzo project provides insights regarding events in the vicinity of Iskander and Shushi, as it was at the epicenter of the occurrences at that time. The Telegram channel of WarGonzo states, ‘In fact, there was an operational plan called “Hell’s Gorge.” As far as we know, one of the authors of this plan was the current head of the Artsakh Defense Army, Mikhail Arzumanyan. The strategy employed after he took office worked to a certain extent.’

‘In the “Hell’s Gorge,” which stretches almost from Hadrut to Shushi, the enemy was allowed to approach, and then they struck with artillery and other available means. The WarGonzo team saw this with their own eyes, filmed it, and showcased it to their followers. Yes, it was a risky plan, but if the leadership in Yerevan had allowed it to reach completion, the results of the Second Karabakh War could have been different. However, Mikhail Arzumanyan did not have Iskander and could not command it at his discretion.’

‘We are not trying to justify or blame anyone; we are stating what is. The Artsakh Defense Army does not possess such types of weaponry, yet great hopes were pinned on the mentioned plan; we did not notice panic among the commanders. Yes, it was not easy, and yes, there was a mismatch in actions, but there was a belief that there is a way out of the existing situation. Moreover, for some reason, they managed to limit aerial operations, and drones were less troublesome, at least not as much as at the beginning of the war.’

‘Aliyev’s resources were running out. They were not infinite; 40 days of continuous offensive is very costly in every aspect. Therefore, during the last few days of the war, in other parts of the front (for instance, near Martuni), the Azerbaijani armed forces began to retreat. All of Baku’s forces were thrown around Shushi, and had they been destroyed there, Aliyev would have had serious problems. Very serious; but it did not happen.’

‘The Armenian people have every right to know why. Someone needs to come out and speak candidly about this,’ the channel added.