Clashes have erupted once* again between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, after nearly 100 soldiers were killed in the most mortal fighting between the two since 2020. This despite Russian claims it had brokered a ceasefire on Tuesday evening.
Both sides have blamed each other. The region represents a key corridor for pipelines carrying oil and gas at a time when fighting in Ukraine disrupts energy supplies, with Russia and Turkey backing the oppposing sides.
Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated the Azerbaijani military “launched intensive shelling, with artillery and large-calibre firearms, against Armenian military positions in the direction of the cities of Goris, Sotk, and Jermuk”.
Armenia has threatened to invoke its CSTO pact with Russia for military assistance. According to analyst Peter Zeihan, “Considering Russia is completely incapable of acting, and that Russia is Armenia’s only security guarantor, it appears that Azerbaijan is making a bid for the entirety of the disputed territories.”
Commenting on the situation, German ECR MEP Lars Patrick Berg stated:
“I unreservedly condemn the unwarranted attack by the military forces of Azerbaijan on Armenian 🇦🇲 territory. The attacks appear to be focused on civilian targets. 49 (!) people already killed. I also condemn Turkey’s continuing efforts to destabilise a fragile situation.”
I unreservedly condemn the unwarranted attack by the military forces of Azerbaijan on Armenian 🇦🇲 territory. The attacks appear to be focused on civilian targets. 49 (!) people already killed. I also condemn Turkey’s continuing efforts to destabilise a fragile situation. pic.twitter.com/9O98Gykp9o
— Lars Patrick Berg MdEP (@L_P_Berg) September 13, 2022
Ongoing border clashes between Azerbaijan & Armenia. Both waged a war in 2020 which ended with a trilateral agreement with Russia resulting in the deployment of Russian peacekeepers in #NagornoKarabakh. Azerbaijan was the clear winner in the 2020‘s war thanks to Turkey‘s drones. pic.twitter.com/jI9AmwuCyv
— Velina Tchakarova (@vtchakarova) September 12, 2022