Chronicles of Victory: President Ilham Aliyev interviewed by German ARD TV channel on October 31, 2020 [VIDEO]

In an interview with Germany’s ARD TV channel on October 31, 2020, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev discussed the start and conduct of the 44-day second Karabakh war, which he said ended with Azerbaijan regaining territories after nearly 30 years of Armenian occupation. Aliyev described the escalation as prompted by “large-scale provocation” by Armenian forces along the frontline, recounting what he called three prior incidents, starting with an attack on the state border in July, an August sabotage attempt, and heavy artillery bombardment beginning September 27. He argued Azerbaijan responded defensively after civilian casualties, and addressed claims about drone influence, saying drones from Israel had been used by Armenia in 2016 as well.