The operation took place on 25 January on the road between the Azerbaijani town of Gazakh and the Armenian town of Ijevan, at the international border.

Prior to his repatriation, ICRC delegates had visited the serviceman on several occasions in order to assess his treatment and conditions of detention. The organization had also forwarded family news between the detainee and his relatives.

Acting as a neutral intermediary and in accordance with its mandate, the ICRC facilitated the man's repatriation at the request of both the Azerbaijani and Armenian authorities. Before the operation took place, the detainee confirmed to ICRC delegates that he was returning of his own free will.