Azerbaijan’s military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh has escalated tensions in the disputed region, resulting in a dire situation.
Azerbaijan has launched a “large-scale military offensive” in Nagorno-Karabakh, referring to it as an “anti-terrorist operation.” This operation is primarily directed against Armenian forces, creating a volatile and potentially explosive situation.
The capital city of Nagorno-Karabakh, Stepanakert, is under “intense fire,” according to reports from Armenian authorities. The use of “high-precision weapons” by Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry adds to the severity of the conflict.
Azerbaijani officials claim that civilians are free to leave the area through humanitarian corridors and assert that civilian populations and infrastructure are not targets. However, the situation remains highly precarious, with many civilians caught in the crossfire.
Tensions over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region claimed by both Azerbaijan and Armenia, have been simmering for months. This dispute led to a war in 2020, culminating in a ceasefire agreement brokered by Russia. However, recent troop deployments and accusations of provocations have reignited the conflict.
Azerbaijan’s stated objectives in this military operation include upholding the ceasefire agreement, suppressing provocations, securing the withdrawal of Armenian forces from Nagorno-Karabakh, and restoring constitutional order in Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, the situation remains fluid and highly concerning, with the potential for further escalation and humanitarian challenges in the region.
Sources:
Missile launches pic.twitter.com/rwaH88IESQ
— Liveuamap (@Liveuamap) September 19, 2023
www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/19/azerbaijan-launches-new-anti-terror-offensive-in-nagorno-karabakh
www.thedailybeast.com/nagorno-karabakh-azerbaijan-launches-military-attack-on-armenians
Here a map of the region.
Azerbaijan is shelling civilian residential areas of #Stepanakert This is a building next to us with no military target in vicinity. pic.twitter.com/EZtJsAEBNg
— Siranush Sargsyan (@SiranushSargsy1) September 19, 2023
www.rt.com/russia/583204-armenia-aggression-nagorno-karabakh/
h/t 16 Blocks