Nagorno-Karabakh: Azerbaijan’s Operation and the Region’s Humanitarian Outlook

Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, yet large areas of the region have been controlled by ethnic Armenians for about three decades. In 1991, the region declared independence with a population of roughly 150,000 and was governed as the unrecognised Republic of Artsakh with Armenia’s support. Tensions that were suppressed during the Soviet period resurfaced after the Cold War, leading to a war that ended with a ceasefire in 1994. In 2020, Azerbaijan regained seven districts and part of Karabakh in a second war, after which Russian peacekeepers were deployed. Since 2022, the blockade of the Lachin corridor has severely limited the region’s connection to Armenia and worsened the humanitarian situation. 
 
After Azerbaijan’s recent military operation, at least 200 ethnic Armenians were killed, and five Russian peacekeepers also died. Thousands of people began sleeping outdoors or in tents near the Stepanakert/Khankendi airport. Azerbaijan stated that its operation aimed to remove Armenian armed forces and neutralise military infrastructure, and a large amount of military equipment, including tanks, armoured vehicles, and thousands of weapons, was surrendered. Azerbaijan says it intends to reintegrate ethnic Armenians as equal citizens, while Armenia has asked the United Nations to send a mission, arguing that the rights and safety of ethnic Armenians are under threat. Azerbaijan and Russian peacekeepers have stated that they are cooperating in the disarmament process. 
 
The future of the region’s approximately 120,000 ethnic Armenians remains uncertain. Azerbaijan says no civilians are being forced to leave, though many Armenians may consider departing due to mistrust. Both Azerbaijan and Armenia have prepared facilities for civilians, and many residents of Stepanakert have said they are likely to leave. U.S. Senator Gary Peters highlighted the atmosphere of fear in the region and called for an international observer mission. 

 References

BBC News. (2023, September). *Nagorno-Karabakh: Thousands flee to Armenia as Azerbaijan reclaims region*. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66901759 

The Guardian. (2023, September 19). *Why is there Armenia-Azerbaijan dispute over control of Nagorno-Karabakh?* https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/19/why-is-there-armenia-azerbaijan-dispute-over-control-of-nagorno-karabakh