Renewed skirmishes between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces have erupted in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, escalating tensions in an area that has seen sporadic conflict for decades. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the latest clashes have resulted in casualties on both sides, raising concerns about the potential for a broader conflict.
The recent violence began earlier this week, with both Armenia and Azerbaijan accusing each other of initiating the hostilities. The Armenian Defense Ministry reported that Azerbaijani forces launched an offensive, leading to intense exchanges of fire. In response, Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry claimed that Armenian troops had attacked their positions, prompting a defensive retaliation.
Nagorno-Karabakh, a predominantly ethnic Armenian region within Azerbaijan, has been a flashpoint for conflict since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The most recent major conflict occurred in 2020, resulting in significant casualties and displacement of civilians before a Russia-brokered ceasefire was implemented. Despite the ceasefire, periodic skirmishes have continued to disrupt the fragile peace.
International observers are calling for restraint and urging both sides to adhere to the ceasefire agreement. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, which has been mediating the conflict, expressed deep concern over the renewed violence and called for immediate de-escalation.
The latest clashes underscore the volatility of the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the urgent need for a long-term, sustainable peace agreement. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan face domestic pressures and geopolitical complexities that complicate the peace process, making international mediation efforts crucial to preventing further escalation.
According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the situation remains tense, and the international community is closely monitoring developments to prevent a full-scale resumption of hostilities.
Source: rferl.org