Azerbaijan has announced the commencement of military actions in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry characterizes it as «anti-terrorist measures of a local nature» with the «aim of restoring constitutional order,» «disarming and withdrawing formations of the Armenian Armed Forces,» «neutralizing their military infrastructure, and ensuring the security of the peaceful population.» The ministry further stated that only military targets would be struck, and precision weapons would be utilized.
Local media and residents of Nagorno-Karabakh have reported explosions.
The catalyst for the initiation of hostilities was a car bombing in the Khojavend district, which claimed the lives of four policemen and two civilians. Azerbaijan attributes the blame for this attack to Armenian sabotage groups.
Armenia denies any involvement in the bombing, refutes the presence of its military in Nagorno-Karabakh, and accuses Azerbaijan of instigating conflict and a humanitarian crisis in the region.
NEWSROOM IN notes that last year, Baku closed the only road, the Lachin corridor, linking Karabakh with Armenia. Consequently, the region faced challenges in procuring food, medicine, and other essential goods necessary for normal life. This road is guarded by Russian peacekeepers.
Tensions in the region have been escalating for weeks.
However, last week, the situation appeared to have calmed down. The day prior, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke about the delivery of humanitarian aid to Stepanakert with the assistance of the International Red Cross.
«The United States is deeply concerned by Azerbaijan’s military actions in Nagorno-Karabakh and calls on Azerbaijan to cease these actions immediately. These actions are worsening an already dire humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and undermine prospects for peace. As we have previously made clear to Azerbaijan, the use of force to resolve disputes is unacceptable and runs counter to efforts to create conditions for a just and dignified peace in the region.«
NEWSROOM IN also notes that both Armenia and Azerbaijan claim Nagorno-Karabakh. The countries have been engaged in conflict over this territory since 1988. In the two wars that took place between the countries in 1992-94 and 2020, according to rough estimates, approximately 32,000 people were killed on both sides, and the exact number of missing persons has not yet been established, but the count is in the thousands.