Armenia and Azerbaijan have been fighting an ethnic and territorial conflict that stretches between Nagorno – Karabakh and seven surrounding districts that are de – facto controlled by the self – declared Republic of Artsakh, but are internationally recognized as partial part of Azerbaijan.
The conflict has re-erupted again and caused some of the heaviest clashes in years, leaving 23 dead. On Sunday, two ex- Soviet republics battled over the disputed regions just before the sirens of danger waged on both ends.
President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev said that, he was confident of regaining control over the region. Martial law was declared in Azerbaijan amid protests and violence in parts of the region were reported. The unresolved issue that has been on going for almost three decades now in the Caucasus mountains have re – erupted with periodic advances on both the ends. The dispute has caused markets to unsettle and the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, has called for the regions capture despite of the threat that borders of the region carry corridor of pipelines of natural gasses and oil from the Caspian Sea to world markets.
Website of Azeri defence ministry officially claimed capture of 6 villages in Armenian – backed republic of Artsakh. The Nagorno – Karabakh authorities denied the reports by the ministry of defence of Azerbaijan about the capture and blamed them for misinformation and propaganda.
In the past, Turkey has historically supported Azerbaijan in the conflict. Turkish drones were reported flying over Armenia. The intel was presumably being shared with Azeris to assist Azerbaijan in the conflict. Later, internet users from Azerbaijan reported slow speed and connection after military started offense against Karabakh. Authorities in Karabakh are urging residents to not leave their homes and take shelter as shelling from Azerbaijan intensified, including the capital of Khankendi/Stepanakert after official declaration of war by Hayastan (Armenia).
With Armenia’s close ties to Russia, super heavy military was transported via aircraft to Yerevan, Armenia from Rostov – on Don. Turkey decided to remain non – combatant. Videos of Turkish backed free Syrian Army which Turkey has sent to aid Azerbaijan in liberation of the two disputed land from Armenian occupation surfaced on the internet.
According to the reports on 27th September – 17:30 (GMT + 1) Armenian – Azerbaijan clashes caused casualties and disruption. Where, Armenian force lost 6 men killed in action and more than 100 were reported to be wounded. 4 AD -vehicle were destroyed. More than at least 2 civilians were reported wounded and 2 dead. Whereas for Azerbaijan, there were more than at least 30 armed men killed and more than 20 tanks and vehicles were destroyed by the Defence Force. Civilian losses for Azerbaijan, is unknown.
Other countries have made advances for aid and released statements in support of the countries. Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan pledged support for Azerbaijan, urging the world to stand with the country in its “battle against invasion and cruelty”. Azerbaijanis are a predominantly Turkic people with whom Turkey has close ties. Russia, traditionally seen as an ally of Armenia, called for an immediate ceasefire and talks to stabilise the situation. UN Secretary – General Antonio Guterres said he was “extremely concerned” over and called for both sides to stop fighting. France, which has a large Armenian community, called for an immediate ceasefire and dialogue.
Iran, which borders both Azerbaijan and Armenia, offered to broker peace talk, but later blocked all websites of Azerbaijan and channels from which South Azerbaijani’s would get their information on what is happening in Azerbaijan because, the Iranian provinces of East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan and Ardabil are all ethnically Azeri with Kurdish and Ardabil, Farsi minorities. President Donald Trump said the US was seeking to stop the violence. Whereas, Pakistan wrote to the foreign ministry, with their strong anti – Armenian stance, supported Azerbaijan and will extend all support that is required.