The Azeri-majority regions had been under de facto control of the unrecognized government of Artsakh as a buffer since the 1994 ceasefire between Baku and Yerevan.

“Victorious Armed Forces of Azerbaijan liberated Yuxari Veyselli, Yuxari Seyidehmedli, Gorgan, Uchunju Mahmudlu, Gachar and Divanalilar villages of Fuzuli, Yukhari Mezre and Yanarhach villages of Jabrayil, Gezyan, Balasoltanli and Merdanli villages of Gubadli, Beshdeli village of Zangilan, Garabulag and Moshmakhat villages of Khojaly, Atagut and Tsakuri of Khojavend.

Long live Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces! Karabakh is Azerbaijan!” Aliyev tweeted on Saturday.