Mass graves of civilians likely killed by Armenian forces found near Khojaly, Shusha
Mass graves containing the remains believed to belong to civilians killed by Armenian forces near the cities of Khojaly and Shusha in Azerbaijan have been discovered on 1 May, 2025. (Azertac / AA Photo)
Azerbaijani authorities uncovered two mass graves near the towns of Khojaly and Shusha, believed to contain the remains of civilians killed by Armenian forces during the First Karabakh War.
According to a statement by the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons, one grave was discovered near Shusha during road construction, revealing the remains of five individuals. Another grave, located along the Askeran-Khojaly road, contains the remains of at least seven individuals.
The commission reported signs of torture on the remains, suggesting these were civilians killed and buried without formal procedures.
Nearly 4,000 Azerbaijanis still missing
Official data shows that 3,983 Azerbaijanis remain missing from the First Karabakh War, including 774 civilians. Armenia has consistently withheld information about the fate and burial locations of these individuals.
Since the end of the Second Karabakh War, 187 remains believed to be those of missing persons have been recovered from mass graves, along with an additional 309 from ongoing construction works.
The identities of 170 individuals have been confirmed so far.
Unusual burial patterns and civilian remains identified
Eldar Samedov, deputy head of the Commission’s Working Group, stated, “An unconventional burial pattern has been identified here. According to expert assessments, the remains are primarily those of civilians.”
Samedov emphasized that the graves provide concrete evidence of crimes committed during the conflict.
“We are facing yet another case of war crimes perpetrated by Armenia. The idea that civilians were offered a safe corridor out of Khojaly has been refuted by this evidence. Civilians were deliberately killed and buried in mass graves,” he said.
Signs of torture on remains
Samedov noted the presence of trauma and fractures consistent with blunt force trauma on skulls, arms, and leg bones. “These injuries, combined with the clothing on the victims, confirm they were non-combatants. Experts believe many of the victims were women.”
Excavations in the area continue, and authorities suspect additional remains may lie beneath the surface.
Third mass grave linked to Khojaly massacre found in 2025
Samedov recalled that in February 2024, another mass grave linked to the Khojaly massacre was discovered in the town’s Galaderesi village, containing remains of 18 individuals. Ten have been identified and returned to their families, while identification work continues for the rest.
The latest discovery marks the third such mass grave documented in Khojaly.
All findings are being registered jointly by the State Commission and the Prosecutor General’s Office, which is conducting a formal investigation into the killings.
According to current records, 210 people are still missing from the Khojaly massacre, including 38 children and 42 military personnel.
