On the night of April 2, 2016, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched a large-scale offensive against Artsakh.

The Azerbaijani military initiated attacks along the entire line of contact, employing artillery, tank units, missile systems, and air forces. The confrontation lasted four days and later came to be known as the Four-Day War or the April War. The most intense fighting occurred in the southern Hadrut sector and the northeastern Martakert direction, which had become the front lines.

On April 5, with Russian mediation, the sides agreed to a ceasefire, though clashes continued in some areas.

According to official data, the Armenian side suffered 110 fatalities and 120 wounded, and lost approximately 800 hectares of territory. Azerbaijani official sources reported up to 300 casualties, including members of special forces.