Azerbaijan has initiated a military operation against Armenian forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, raising concerns about a potential escalation in the long-standing conflict. The operation, which began in the early hours of Monday morning, follows heightened tensions in the disputed area.
Operation Unfolds
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry announced the operation in an official statement, citing “provocations and ceasefire violations” by Armenian forces as the primary motivation behind the military action. The Nagorno-Karabakh region has been a focal point of tension between the two nations for decades, leading to a full-scale war in 2020, which ended with a ceasefire brokered by Russia.
International Concerns
The international community has expressed immediate concern over the renewed hostilities. The United Nations, through its spokesperson, called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations. The European Union and the United States have echoed these sentiments, urging restraint and diplomacy.
Statements from the Azerbaijani Government
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev addressed the nation, stating, “We have exhausted all diplomatic means to resolve this issue peacefully. Armenia’s continued provocations left us with no choice but to take decisive action to protect our territorial integrity and the lives of our citizens.”
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry also released a statement, asserting, “Our armed forces are conducting a targeted and proportional operation aimed at neutralizing Armenian military assets and ensuring the security of our people.”
Armenian Response
Armenia has condemned the Azerbaijani military operation as an act of aggression and vowed to defend its territory. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called for international intervention to stop the conflict from escalating further. “Armenia will defend itself and its people. We call on the international community to intervene immediately and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe,” Pashinyan stated.
Regional Implications
The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh has broader regional implications, with Russia having a military presence in both Armenia and Azerbaijan. As a result, any escalation could draw in major regional players.
Conclusion
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains fluid, with concerns mounting over the potential for further escalation and humanitarian consequences. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and working to facilitate a peaceful resolution.
News Summary:
- Azerbaijan has launched a military operation against Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh, citing provocations and ceasefire violations as the reason.
- International organizations and countries, including the UN, EU, and the US, have called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations.
- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that diplomatic efforts had been exhausted, leaving them with no choice but to take action to protect their territorial integrity.
- Armenia has condemned the operation and called for international intervention, while the regional implications of the conflict raise concerns about potential involvement of major players like Russia.
- The situation remains fluid, with the international community closely monitoring developments in Nagorno-Karabakh
