Ethnic Armenian Region Faces New Conflict as Azerbaijan Demands Surrender, Raising Concerns of a Renewed War in Nagorno-Karabakh

Azerbaijan Launches Military Operation in Nagorno-Karabakh

^{Credit: Google | Azerbaijan Commences Military Campaign in Nagorno-Karabakh}

In a concerning development, Azerbaijan has launched an “anti-terror” operation in Nagorno-Karabakh, escalating tensions in the South Caucasus region. This move has raised alarm bells, reigniting fears of a resurgence of conflict in the ethnic Armenian enclave, which has been a longstanding source of contention. The operation is aimed at continuing until ethnic-Armenian separatists surrender and dissolve their “illegal regime” in Nagorno-Karabakh. This region’s history is marred by a turbulent past, including a major conflict in the early 1990s and a significant escalation in 2020 when Azerbaijan regained control of surrounding areas.

Azerbaijan’s ultimatum is stark, demanding the disarmament of “illegal Armenian military formations” and the dismantling of what it deems an “illegal regime”. This ultimatum underscores Azerbaijan’s resolute efforts to solidify its control over the mountainous enclave, which has prompted concerns of potential “ethnic cleansing“.

⚡️Azerbaijan strikes targets in Nagorno-Karabakh, launches military operation.

In Stepanakert (Khankendi), the de-facto capital of Nagorno-Karabakh, air raid sounded, and there are reports of gunfire and explosions. https://t.co/3Uy93OFklF
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) September 19, 2023

The international community has reacted with grave concern and condemnation regarding Azerbaijan’s military action. The United States, led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is actively engaging in crisis diplomacy aimed at deescalation. Meanwhile, the European Union, France, and Germany have jointly called for an immediate return to negotiations as the means to resolve the ongoing conflict.

Within Nagorno-Karabakh, ethnic Armenians have called for a ceasefire and the commencement of negotiations, emphasizing their desire for a peaceful resolution. Protests have erupted in Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, with demonstrators criticizing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan‘s handling of the crisis and demanding his resignation.

Russia’s role as a peacekeeper in the region has come under scrutiny, with critics contending that it failed to prevent the escalation of hostilities. Moscow’s attention has been preoccupied by its conflict with Ukraine, casting doubt on its capacity to mediate a renewed ceasefire.

The situation is further complicated by Azerbaijan’s allegations of violations by Armenian forces and a blockade on the Lachin Corridor. Both Azerbaijan and Armenia have accused each other of military actions, exacerbating the crisis.

In this fluid and perilous situation, the international community resolutely urges an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic negotiations. The unfolding conflict poses a severe threat to stability in the South Caucasus, underscoring the formidable challenge of resolving enduring territorial disputes in the region. As events continue to develop, the world watches with growing apprehension, hoping for a peaceful resolution that averts further bloodshed and suffering.