In a troubling turn of events, Azerbaijan has launched what it terms an “anti-terrorist” operation in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, sparking concerns of a potential resurgence of the brutal 2020 conflict that saw Azerbaijani forces reclaim territory from the Armenian population. The ongoing bombardment, focused on the regional capital, Stepanakert, and other Armenian positions, has escalated the long-standing dispute over this volatile region.
Nagorno-Karabakh, referred to as Artsakh by local Armenians, has been at the heart of this protracted conflict. Azerbaijan asserts that its latest actions aim to expel Armenian-backed fighters from the region, while Armenia contends that stability prevails along its borders. However, the situation remains perilous.
During the prior 44-day war, Azerbaijani forces successfully captured the historically significant city of Shusha, known as Shushi to Armenians, delivering a significant blow to the de facto Artsakh state supported by Armenia.
Adding to the complexity, the crisis has deepened due to the effective blockade of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan, resulting in severe shortages of essential supplies like food, medicine, and electricity for large parts of Stepanakert. This humanitarian crisis underscores the urgency of resolving this long-standing dispute.
The international community watches with growing concern as tensions mount in this volatile region. Local residents fear the resumption of hostilities could lead to further devastation. Urgent international intervention may be the only means to avert a looming catastrophe, preventing potential loss of life on a massive scale.
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