Artsakh Was Not Only Surrounded... 29 Years Ago, the Defense Committee Was Established, Led by Serzh Sargsyan

Former spokesperson of the Artsakh Defense Army, Senor Hasratyan, wrote on his Facebook page: “Exactly 29 years ago, on March 26, 1992, the Defense Committee was established under the Council of Ministers of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, which was later renamed the Committee of Self-Defense Forces. Serzh Azat Sargsyan was appointed as the head of the committee.

The committee was formed during a historically critical period when Artsakh was not only surrounded but also the Azerbaijani villages within the republic’s territory had turned into military strongholds and were systematically shelling the capital, Stepanakert, and the surrounding peaceful communities.

As a result of the establishment of this structure, Artsakh gradually secured not only its defense from within and without but also, over time, imposed its will upon the adversary... This became possible because the fighting and heroic people were led by individuals who, despite not being professional military personnel, knew how to defend the Homeland and achieve victory.

It is regrettable that today these individuals are targeted by those who, at that time, not only avoided defending the Homeland but also surrendered a significant part of it 24 years after that victory...”