Mardakert offensive (July 1992)
# Mardakert offensive (July 1992)

The Mardakert Offensive was a significant military operation conducted by the Azerbaijani armed forces in July 1992 during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. This offensive aimed to regain control over the region of Mardakert, which had previously fallen partially under Azerbaijani control following the "Ring" operation in May 1991.

## Background

Following the initial military successes of the Armenian forces in the spring of 1992, the situation changed in the summer. The temporary political stability established in Baku with the election of Abulfaz Elchibey, the leader of the Popular Front of Azerbaijan, as the president of the Republic, and the establishment of close military cooperation with Turkey through arms deliveries and the deployment of military advisors, created favorable conditions for the Azerbaijani forces to launch the "Goranboy" operation. This large-scale offensive aimed to retake Chahumian, which was already partially under their control since the "Ring" operation in May 1991.

## Seizure

Building upon their previous gains, the Azerbaijani forces intensified their military campaign and successfully seized a significant part of the Mardakert region in July 1992. These victories served as a test for the strength of the Armenian government and the restructuring of its military forces. In response to the Azerbaijani offensive, several groups of fighters located in these areas abandoned the front lines, further complicating the situation for the Armenian government.

The capture of Mardakert by the Azerbaijani forces marked a notable turning point in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The loss of territory and the challenges faced by the Armenian government, including parliamentary opposition primarily led by the Dashnak Party, posed significant obstacles for Armenia in maintaining stability and defending its interests in the region.

Despite the setback, the conflict continued, and subsequent events shaped the course of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the years to come.

