32 Azerbaijani families have returned to the former Karabakh conflict zone.

As reported by the “Caucasian Knot,” Azerbaijanis from Karabakh settlements were forced to flee their homes after the start of the First Karabakh War. The return of Azerbaijani displaced persons began after Azerbaijan took control of these territories. By March 11, 2026, 7,541 families (30,261 people) had returned to 41 settlements in the former Karabakh conflict zone.

The Khojavend region (the Armenian name for Khojavend is Martuni) has been controlled by the authorities of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic since 1993. On February 20, 2026, the first groups of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) returned to the town of Khojavend and the village of the same name.

Another group of former IDPs arrived in the village of Khojavend in the Khojavend region. At this stage, the return of 32 families (135 people) to the village has been ensured. Thus, the number of families resettled in the village of Khojavend has reached 66 (277 people), according to the publication Report.

These families were previously temporarily resettled in various parts of the country, primarily in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings. The families who arrived in the village were housed in houses that meet modern standards, according to AzerTaj.

The internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in the Baku lyceum dormitory complained about living conditions. More than 30 families from the Zangelan and Jabrayil districts were resettled in the building. The “Caucasian Knot” published a photo report by Aziz Karimov, “A Dormitory for Internally Displaced Persons from the Karabakh Conflict Zone in Baku.”

Following a meeting with the displaced families, employees of the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) briefed them in detail on the dangers posed by mines and unexploded ordnance. Families were advised to stay away from unknown objects and, if any were discovered, to report them to the appropriate authorities.

Earlier, Azerbaijani displaced persons complained about the difficulties of returning to Karabakh. In particular, they noted a shortage of jobs in Fuzuli. People are seeking opportunities to return to their homelands, but in the territories under Azerbaijani control, property issues have not yet been resolved, IDPs noted.

Azerbaijani analysts interviewed by the “Caucasian Knot” pointed out that simply providing housing for IDPs returning to their cities is not enough. The authorities must create jobs and build infrastructure, they emphasized.