France has agreed on future contracts with Armenia to supply it with military equipment to help ensure its defences, Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said on Tuesday during a visit to Yerevan.

It was the first trip to Armenia by a Western government minister since Azerbaijani forces captured Nagorno-Karabakh, a separatist ethnic Armenian region within Azerbaijan, in a lightning military operation on Sept. 20.

Colonna travelled to Armenia to assess its immediate needs amid an influx of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh and fears of Azerbaijani military action against Armenia following Karabakh's fall, diplomats said.

During a live-streamed joint press conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Colonna said she had also asked European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to include Armenia in the scope of the European Peace Facility (EPF), an EU military aid fund.

"France will be vigilant regarding the territorial integrity of Armenia," Colonna said. "I hope that (EU) member states will send a clear signal to all those who would be tempted to call into question the sovereignty of Armenia."

She declined to elaborate on what sort of military aid was envisaged for Armenia under future supply contracts.

France and its Western allies fear that Armenia and its government could be destabilised after its historical military ally, Russia, appeared to abandon it over the last few weeks.

The Nagorno-Karabakh issue is a delicate subject in Paris. A week after Baku took control of the enclave, prompting more than 100,000 people to flee to Armenia, French lawmakers from across the political spectrum criticised President Emmanuel Macron's government for not doing enough to help Karabakh's Armenians.

France's population includes between 400,000 to 600,000 people of Armenian origin, a powerful lobby group during election periods.

Paris has already provided 12.5 million euros ($13.08 million) in humanitarian aid to Armenia and French officials have backed the idea of imposing EU sanctions on Baku.

But they concede that there is a reluctance within the EU to do so just a year after the bloc agreed a major energy deal to replace Russian supplies following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Karabakh is viewed internationally as part of Azerbaijan but had been run as a breakaway ethnic Armenian statelet since the 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

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France has agreed on future contracts with Armenia to supply it with military equipment to help ensure its defences, Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said on Tuesday during a visit to Yerevan.

France has agreed on future contracts with Armenia to supply it with military equipment to help ensure its defences, Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said on Tuesday during a visit to Yerevan. It was the first trip to Armenia by a Western government minister since Azerbaijani forces captured Nagorno-Karabakh, a separatist ethnic Armenian region within Azerbaijan, in a lightning military operation on Sept. 20. Colonna travelled to Armenia to assess its immediate needs amid an influx of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh and fears of Azerbaijani military action against Armenia following Karabakh's fall, diplomats said. During a live-streamed joint press conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Colonna said she had also asked European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to include Armenia in the scope of the European Peace Facility (EPF), an EU military aid fund. "France will be vigilant regarding the territorial integrity of Armenia," Colonna said. "I hope that (EU) member states will send a clear signal to all those who would be tempted to call into question the sovereignty of Armenia." She declined to elaborate on what sort of military aid was envisaged for Armenia under future supply contracts. France and its Western allies fear that Armenia and its government could be destabilised after its historical military ally, Russia, appeared to abandon it over the last few weeks. The Nagorno-Karabakh issue is a delicate subject in Paris. A week after Baku took control of the enclave, prompting more than 100,000 people to flee to Armenia, French lawmakers from across the political spectrum criticised President Emmanuel Macron's government for not doing enough to help Karabakh's Armenians. France's population includes between 400,000 to 600,000 people of Armenian origin, a powerful lobby group during election periods. Paris has already provided 12.5 million euros ($13.08 million) in humanitarian aid to Armenia and French officials have backed the idea of imposing EU sanctions on Baku. But they concede that there is a reluctance within the EU to do so just a year after the bloc agreed a major energy deal to replace Russian supplies following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Karabakh is viewed internationally as part of Azerbaijan but had been run as a breakaway ethnic Armenian statelet since the 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

France agrees on future contracts with Armenia to deliver military aid

Armenian Parliament has voted to join the International Criminal Court a move which further strains ties with its old ally Russia. The decision will oblige the former Soviet Republic to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Armenia votes to join International Criminal Court

The Armenian parliament on Tuesday (Oct 3) voted to join the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move that would strain the relations with its old ally Russia further. The Armenian lawmakers basically voted to ratify the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC.&nbsp;

Notably, ICC has issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin over the Russia-Ukraine war and ICC members are expected to make the arrest if the Russian leader sets foot on their territory.

A broadcast of the parliament session showed 60 deputies voting in favour of the proposal with 22 mainly opposition lawmakers voting against joining the ICC.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-says-over-100000-have-fled-nagorno-karabakh-fuel-depot-blast-death-toll-rises-to-170-64">Armenia says over 100,000 have fled Nagorno-Karabakh; fuel depot blast death toll rises to 170</a>&nbsp;

Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan announced: "Sixty MPs voted for ratification and twenty others were against. The decision has been adopted."&nbsp;

The opposition and factions such as "Armenia" and "I Have The Honour" reportedly said that the document would not favour Armenia and has other geopolitical interests.&nbsp;

The opposition parties in Armenia had earlier slammed the move, calling out the government for endangering the country's ties with Russia. The opposition claimed that the decision would lead to serious consequences for Yerevan.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-reports-casualties-after-accusing-azerbaijani-forces-of-opening-fire-in-border-region-641869">Armenia says one killed, two injured after Azerbaijani forces open fire in border region</a>&nbsp;

Amid escalating tensions, the Kremlin said on Tuesday that Armenia had no alternative to the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO).&nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "I think that most people in Armenia realise that the CSTO instruments are absolutely irreplaceable. The Armenian side has nothing better than these mechanisms, we are sure of that."&nbsp;

Peskov told reporters: "We are doubtful that from the point of view of bilateral relations, Armenia's accession to the Rome Statute is correct. We still believe that it is the wrong decision."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russia looks away as Azerbaijan takes over Nagorno-Karabakh&nbsp;

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A Russian Foreign Ministry official told Russian news agency TASS that Armenia's move to ratify the Rome Statute would have extremely negative implications for bilateral relations.&nbsp;

The vote illustrated a growing chasm between Moscow and Yerevan, which has grown angry with the Kremlin over its perceived inaction over Armenia's long-standing confrontation with Azerbaijan.&nbsp;

Azerbaijani forces last month swept through the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh -- where Russian peacekeepers are deployed -- and secured the surrender of Armenian separatist forces that had controlled the mountainous region for decades.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Armenian parliament on Tuesday (Oct 3) voted to join the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move that would strain the relations with its old ally Russia further.

The Armenian parliament on Tuesday (Oct 3) voted to join the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move that would strain the relations with its old ally Russia further. The Armenian lawmakers basically voted to ratify the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC. Notably, ICC has issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin over the Russia-Ukraine war and ICC members are expected to make the arrest if the Russian leader sets foot on their territory. A broadcast of the parliament session showed 60 deputies voting in favour of the proposal with 22 mainly opposition lawmakers voting against joining the ICC. Also read: Armenia says over 100,000 have fled Nagorno-Karabakh; fuel depot blast death toll rises to 170 Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan announced: "Sixty MPs voted for ratification and twenty others were against. The decision has been adopted." The opposition and factions such as "Armenia" and "I Have The Honour" reportedly said that the document would not favour Armenia and has other geopolitical interests. The opposition parties in Armenia had earlier slammed the move, calling out the government for endangering the country's ties with Russia. The opposition claimed that the decision would lead to serious consequences for Yerevan. Also read: Armenia says one killed, two injured after Azerbaijani forces open fire in border region Amid escalating tensions, the Kremlin said on Tuesday that Armenia had no alternative to the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO). Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "I think that most people in Armenia realise that the CSTO instruments are absolutely irreplaceable. The Armenian side has nothing better than these mechanisms, we are sure of that." Peskov told reporters: "We are doubtful that from the point of view of bilateral relations, Armenia's accession to the Rome Statute is correct. We still believe that it is the wrong decision." Watch: Russia looks away as Azerbaijan takes over Nagorno-Karabakh × A Russian Foreign Ministry official told Russian news agency TASS that Armenia's move to ratify the Rome Statute would have extremely negative implications for bilateral relations. The vote illustrated a growing chasm between Moscow and Yerevan, which has grown angry with the Kremlin over its perceived inaction over Armenia's long-standing confrontation with Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani forces last month swept through the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh -- where Russian peacekeepers are deployed -- and secured the surrender of Armenian separatist forces that had controlled the mountainous region for decades. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Armenia votes to join International Criminal Court, further strains ties with old ally Russia

Armenia on Monday (Oct 2) accused Azerbaijani forces of opening fire in a border region and subsequently reported an unspecified number of “casualties,” a claim that Azerbaijan has since denied.&nbsp;

This comes weeks after Baku launched a military operation to recapture Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway territory, prompting the exodus of more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians in the region amid fears of repression and “ethnic cleansing”.

Furthermore, Yerevan has also urged the European Union to sanction Azerbaijan for its military operation, warning that Baku could soon attack Armenia itself unless the West takes firm action.

<h2>What has Armenia said about the border incident?</h2>

Earlier on Monday, Armenia’s defence ministry accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/karabakh-forces-begin-giving-up-arms-negotiate-withdrawal-us-delegation-visits-armenia-to-show-support-638929">Azerbaijani forces</a> of opening fire targeting “a vehicle carrying food for the personnel of the Armenian combat outposts in the vicinity of Kut,” a village in eastern Armenia near the border.&nbsp;

“There are casualties on the Armenian side in the wake of the fire by the Azerbaijani armed forces,” said the Armenian defence ministry. Subsequently, the Azerbaijani defence ministry released a statement rejecting the claims, as per AFP.&nbsp;

<h2>Armenia urges EU to sanction Azerbaijan</h2>

In an interview with Reuters, Tigran Balayan, Armenia’s envoy to the EU, called for sanctions against Azerbaijan after its military operation in Karabakh, while urging the West to deliver “bold” security assistance to Armenia.&nbsp;

“It’s not only the opinion of the Armenian government, but also of many experts - also some of the EU member states - that an attack on Armenia proper is imminent,” Balayan told Reuters.&nbsp;

Balayan told the news agency that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev cannot be trusted, noting European officials have declared he broke promises not to attack Nagorno-Karabakh.

“The failure of...employing this toolbox resulted in the ethnic cleansing of 100,000 to 120,000 of the indigenous Armenian population, including my own family, from their ancestral lands,” said Armenia’s ambassador-designate to the EU.

While some EU senior officials have condemned Baku’s actions, the 27-nation bloc continues its struggle to find consensus on the issue, as per Reuters.&nbsp;What is happening in Karabakh?

Over the weekend, Yerevan said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-says-over-100000-have-fled-nagorno-karabakh-fuel-depot-blast-death-toll-rises-to-170-641264">over 100,000 people </a>from an estimated population of 120,000 had fled since the breakaway region saw its decades-long fight against Baku end in sudden defeat.

Armenian separatists, in a statement on Monday, said their leader Samvel Shahramanyan will stay in Karabakh’s main city of Stepanakert accompanied by “a few hundred” group of officials “until the search and rescue operations for the remainder of those killed and those missing” were completed.

It added, “The government continues to focus on the issue of those citizens who want to move to the Republic of Armenia.”&nbsp;

More than 200 people were killed in fighting Azerbaijan, additionally, around 170 people died in a blast at a fuel depot while tens of thousands of people were fleeing the region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Armenia on Monday (Oct 2) accused Azerbaijani forces of opening fire in a border region and subsequently reported an unspecified number of “casualties,” a claim that Azerbaijan has since denied.

Armenia on Monday (Oct 2) accused Azerbaijani forces of opening fire in a border region and subsequently reported an unspecified number of “casualties,” a claim that Azerbaijan has since denied. This comes weeks after Baku launched a military operation to recapture Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway territory, prompting the exodus of more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians in the region amid fears of repression and “ethnic cleansing”. Furthermore, Yerevan has also urged the European Union to sanction Azerbaijan for its military operation, warning that Baku could soon attack Armenia itself unless the West takes firm action. What has Armenia said about the border incident? Earlier on Monday, Armenia’s defence ministry accused Azerbaijani forces of opening fire targeting “a vehicle carrying food for the personnel of the Armenian combat outposts in the vicinity of Kut,” a village in eastern Armenia near the border. “There are casualties on the Armenian side in the wake of the fire by the Azerbaijani armed forces,” said the Armenian defence ministry. Subsequently, the Azerbaijani defence ministry released a statement rejecting the claims, as per AFP. Armenia urges EU to sanction Azerbaijan In an interview with Reuters, Tigran Balayan, Armenia’s envoy to the EU, called for sanctions against Azerbaijan after its military operation in Karabakh, while urging the West to deliver “bold” security assistance to Armenia. “It’s not only the opinion of the Armenian government, but also of many experts - also some of the EU member states - that an attack on Armenia proper is imminent,” Balayan told Reuters. Balayan told the news agency that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev cannot be trusted, noting European officials have declared he broke promises not to attack Nagorno-Karabakh. “The failure of...employing this toolbox resulted in the ethnic cleansing of 100,000 to 120,000 of the indigenous Armenian population, including my own family, from their ancestral lands,” said Armenia’s ambassador-designate to the EU. While some EU senior officials have condemned Baku’s actions, the 27-nation bloc continues its struggle to find consensus on the issue, as per Reuters. What is happening in Karabakh? Over the weekend, Yerevan said that over 100,000 people from an estimated population of 120,000 had fled since the breakaway region saw its decades-long fight against Baku end in sudden defeat. Armenian separatists, in a statement on Monday, said their leader Samvel Shahramanyan will stay in Karabakh’s main city of Stepanakert accompanied by “a few hundred” group of officials “until the search and rescue operations for the remainder of those killed and those missing” were completed. It added, “The government continues to focus on the issue of those citizens who want to move to the Republic of Armenia.” More than 200 people were killed in fighting Azerbaijan, additionally, around 170 people died in a blast at a fuel depot while tens of thousands of people were fleeing the region. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Armenia says one killed, two injured after Azerbaijani forces open fire in border region

United Nations Mission visited Nagorno-Karabakh on Sunday after almost the entire ethnic Armenian population fled since Baku recaptured the Breakaway Enclave. Well, it marks the first time in about 30 years that the international body has gained access to the region.

Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict: Baku has rejected Yerevan's accusations of ethnic cleansing

A United Nations mission arrived in Nagorno-Karabakh, said Azerbaijani officials, on Sunday (Oct 1) after nearly all ethnic-Armenian people had fled from the region after it was recaptured by Baku following a military operation. This comes a day after Armenia said over 100,000 refugees have fled the ethnic Armenian enclave.&nbsp;

<h2>UN mission arrives in Karabakh</h2>

After a number of international appeals including from the United States and the European Union, Azerbaijan on Friday (Sept 29) agreed to a UN mission’s visit to Nagorno-Karabakh.&nbsp;

The UN mission’s arrival was confirmed by an Azerbaijani presidency spokesman who told news agency AFP that a “UN mission arrived in Karabakh on Sunday morning”. The visit marks the first time in about 30 years that the international body has gained access to the region.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-says-over-100000-have-fled-nagorno-karabakh-fuel-depot-blast-death-toll-rises-to-170-641264">Armenia says over 100,000 have fled Nagorno-Karabakh; fuel depot blast death toll rises to 170</a>

The UN mission is said to be in the region mainly to assess humanitarian needs and amid Armenia’s repeated accusations that Azerbaijan is conducting a campaign of “ethnic cleansing” to clear the disputed region of its Armenian population, a claim that Baku has denied.&nbsp;

<h2>Why now?</h2>

Azerbaijan launched a so-called military operation, on September 19 against the separatist Armenians, who have claimed part of Karabakh – internationally recognised as Azerbaijani territory – as their ancestral homeland.&nbsp;

Armenian separatists, who had controlled the region for three decades agreed to disarm, dissolve their government and reintegrate with Baku after their defeat following the operation. The move has prompted Karabakh’s estimated 120,000 residents to flee the region for Armenia, sparking a refugee crisis.

Nazeli Baghdasaryan, a spokeswoman of the Armenian prime minister, said, “100,483 forcefully displaced persons arrived in Armenia,” as of Sunday morning, adding that some 45,516 refugees were now in temporary accommodation.

France also lashed out at Azerbaijan for allowing the UN mission into the breakaway region after most residents had already fled.

<h2>‘Tragic page’</h2>

Amid the refugee crisis in the region, on Sunday (Oct 1) Yerevan also observed a national day of prayer for the region. “One of the most tragic pages of Armenian history is being written today,” 28-year-old Mariam Vartanyan told AFP, standing in the crowd of worshippers.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/azerbaijan-forces-detain-top-karabakh-commander-641020">Azerbaijan forces detain top Karabakh commander 'involved' in terrorist activities&nbsp;</a>

Bells tolled in churches across the country, and the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Karekin II, led a service in the nation’s main cathedral Echmiadzin, near the capital city, according to AFP.&nbsp;

The nation of 2.8 million, now faces a major challenge of housing the sudden influx of refugees.

<h2>Azerbaijani soldier killed by sniper near Armenia border, says Baku</h2>

Azerbaijan’s defence ministry, on Saturday (Sep 30) said its forces were taking “retaliatory measures” after one of their soldiers was allegedly killed by an Armenian army sniper on the border between the two countries.&nbsp;

Yerevan denied the accusation and said the claim that its forces had opened fire on Azerbaijani positions “does not correspond to reality”. Baku also said that the shooting had taken place along its heavily militarised border’s Kelbajar region, west of Nagorno-Karabakh.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A United Nations mission arrived in Nagorno-Karabakh, said Azerbaijani officials, on Sunday (Oct 1) after nearly all ethnic-Armenian people had fled from the region after it was recaptured by Baku following a military operation.

A United Nations mission arrived in Nagorno-Karabakh, said Azerbaijani officials, on Sunday (Oct 1) after nearly all ethnic-Armenian people had fled from the region after it was recaptured by Baku following a military operation. This comes a day after Armenia said over 100,000 refugees have fled the ethnic Armenian enclave. UN mission arrives in Karabakh After a number of international appeals including from the United States and the European Union, Azerbaijan on Friday (Sept 29) agreed to a UN mission’s visit to Nagorno-Karabakh. The UN mission’s arrival was confirmed by an Azerbaijani presidency spokesman who told news agency AFP that a “UN mission arrived in Karabakh on Sunday morning”. The visit marks the first time in about 30 years that the international body has gained access to the region. ALSO READ | Armenia says over 100,000 have fled Nagorno-Karabakh; fuel depot blast death toll rises to 170 The UN mission is said to be in the region mainly to assess humanitarian needs and amid Armenia’s repeated accusations that Azerbaijan is conducting a campaign of “ethnic cleansing” to clear the disputed region of its Armenian population, a claim that Baku has denied. Why now? Azerbaijan launched a so-called military operation, on September 19 against the separatist Armenians, who have claimed part of Karabakh – internationally recognised as Azerbaijani territory – as their ancestral homeland. Armenian separatists, who had controlled the region for three decades agreed to disarm, dissolve their government and reintegrate with Baku after their defeat following the operation. The move has prompted Karabakh’s estimated 120,000 residents to flee the region for Armenia, sparking a refugee crisis. Nazeli Baghdasaryan, a spokeswoman of the Armenian prime minister, said, “100,483 forcefully displaced persons arrived in Armenia,” as of Sunday morning, adding that some 45,516 refugees were now in temporary accommodation. France also lashed out at Azerbaijan for allowing the UN mission into the breakaway region after most residents had already fled. ‘Tragic page’ Amid the refugee crisis in the region, on Sunday (Oct 1) Yerevan also observed a national day of prayer for the region. “One of the most tragic pages of Armenian history is being written today,” 28-year-old Mariam Vartanyan told AFP, standing in the crowd of worshippers. ALSO READ | Azerbaijan forces detain top Karabakh commander 'involved' in terrorist activities Bells tolled in churches across the country, and the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Karekin II, led a service in the nation’s main cathedral Echmiadzin, near the capital city, according to AFP. The nation of 2.8 million, now faces a major challenge of housing the sudden influx of refugees. Azerbaijani soldier killed by sniper near Armenia border, says Baku Azerbaijan’s defence ministry, on Saturday (Sep 30) said its forces were taking “retaliatory measures” after one of their soldiers was allegedly killed by an Armenian army sniper on the border between the two countries. Yerevan denied the accusation and said the claim that its forces had opened fire on Azerbaijani positions “does not correspond to reality”. Baku also said that the shooting had taken place along its heavily militarised border’s Kelbajar region, west of Nagorno-Karabakh. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UN mission arrives in Karabakh for first visit in nearly 30 years

Azerbaijani security service said on Friday (September 29) that a top Nagorno-Karabakh commander had been detained. The commander was suspected of being involved in "terrorist" activities in the ethnic Armenian enclave, said Azerbaijan officials.

The officials identified the detained man as Davit Manukyan. The security service added that Manukyan had risen to the rank of major general in the Armenian army. Later he became first deputy commander of the separatist force.

Azerbaijan carried out a 24-hour blitz last week that caused separatist Armenians' government to capitulate and agree to dissolution by the end of the year.

The Armenian separatists' defeat started a huge exodus of overwhelmingly Christian ethnic Armenians from Karabakh to Armenia. Media reports suggest that three-fourth of the population in the region has already reached Armenia. It is being considered that this exodus is going to change Nagorno-Karabakh's ethnic and religious makeup for generations.

<h2>Azerbaijan invites UN mission</h2>

After number of international appeals including from the US and the European Union, Azerbaijan on Friday (Sept 29) agreed for a United Nations mission's visit to Nagorno-Karabakh 'in the coming days'.

Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of ethnic cleansing in Karabakh. Azerbaijan denies the allegations.

"The visit will allow (the mission) to become acquainted with the current humanitarian activities being carried out by Azerbaijan in the region," said Azerbaijan's foreign ministry in a statement.

"In addition, the group members will be shown the process of rebuilding certain infrastructure, disarmament and confiscation of ammunition from illegal Armenian armed forces, as well as the dangers posed by mines," it said.

An Azerbaijani government official said earlier that media will also be allowed to visit the region.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev spoke with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this week and insisted that the country's forces only targeted "military facilities...during the anti-terror measures, which lasted less than 24 hours, and civilians were not harmed"

(With inputs from agencies)

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Azerbaijani security service said on Friday (September 29) that a top Nagorno-Karabakh commander had been detained. The commander was suspected of being involved in "terrorist" activities in the ethnic Armenian enclave, said Azerbaijan officials.

Azerbaijani security service said on Friday (September 29) that a top Nagorno-Karabakh commander had been detained. The commander was suspected of being involved in "terrorist" activities in the ethnic Armenian enclave, said Azerbaijan officials. The officials identified the detained man as Davit Manukyan. The security service added that Manukyan had risen to the rank of major general in the Armenian army. Later he became first deputy commander of the separatist force. Azerbaijan carried out a 24-hour blitz last week that caused separatist Armenians' government to capitulate and agree to dissolution by the end of the year. The Armenian separatists' defeat started a huge exodus of overwhelmingly Christian ethnic Armenians from Karabakh to Armenia. Media reports suggest that three-fourth of the population in the region has already reached Armenia. It is being considered that this exodus is going to change Nagorno-Karabakh's ethnic and religious makeup for generations. Azerbaijan invites UN mission After number of international appeals including from the US and the European Union, Azerbaijan on Friday (Sept 29) agreed for a United Nations mission's visit to Nagorno-Karabakh 'in the coming days'. Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of ethnic cleansing in Karabakh. Azerbaijan denies the allegations. "The visit will allow (the mission) to become acquainted with the current humanitarian activities being carried out by Azerbaijan in the region," said Azerbaijan's foreign ministry in a statement. "In addition, the group members will be shown the process of rebuilding certain infrastructure, disarmament and confiscation of ammunition from illegal Armenian armed forces, as well as the dangers posed by mines," it said. An Azerbaijani government official said earlier that media will also be allowed to visit the region. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev spoke with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this week and insisted that the country's forces only targeted "military facilities...during the anti-terror measures, which lasted less than 24 hours, and civilians were not harmed" (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Azerbaijan forces detain top Karabakh commander 'involved' in terrorist activities

More than 100,000 people from Nagorno-Karabakh arrived in Armenia on Saturday (Sep 30) as nearly the entire population of the breakaway territory has&nbsp;already fled since Azerbaijan seized back control over the region. Meanwhile, the death toll from an explosion and fire at a fuel depot in now Azerbaijani territory on Monday (Sep 25) rose to 170, said the separatist government.&nbsp;

<h2>Over 100,000&nbsp;refugees arrive in Armenia</h2>

Azerbaijan launched a so-called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/azerbaijani-forces-strike-armenian-controlled-karabakh-risking-a-fresh-war-in-caucasus-region-637698">military operation</a>, on September 19 against the separatist Armenians, who have claimed part of Karabakh – internationally recognised as Azerbaijani territory – as their ancestral homeland.&nbsp;

This has prompted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nagorno-karabakh-conflict-locals-leave-for-armenia-en-masse-after-azeri-victory-claim-639994">ethnic Armenians</a> in the region to flee amid fears of repression and “ethnic cleansing”. Yerevan, on Saturday, said that over 100,000 people from an estimated population of 120,000 had fled since the breakaway region saw its decades-long fight against Baku end in sudden defeat.

Artak Beglaryan, a former separatist official, according to unofficial information on his social media said “the last groups” of Nagorno-Karabakh residents were on their way to Armenia on Saturday. He added, “At most a few hundred persons remain, most of whom are officials, emergency services employees, volunteers, some persons with special needs.”&nbsp;

<h2>Death toll after fuel depot blast rises to 170</h2>

The death toll after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-fuel-depot-fire-in-karabakh-rises-to-125-over-28000-refugees-arrive-in-armenia-639949">fuel depot blast </a>on the outskirts of rebel stronghold Stepanakert last week rose to 170 on Friday (Sep 29) as ethnic Armenians were in the midst of leaving the breakaway region, said a report by AFP citing a separatist government.&nbsp;

Forensic experts had been able to piece together “170 remains” of bodies that will be brought to Armenia for identification, said the official. Nearly 349 people – most of them suffering severe and critical burns – were being treated in hospitals across the region, said the media report.&nbsp;

The updated toll means that nearly 600 people have lost their lives since Baku launched its military operation in the region.&nbsp;

<h2>Armenia’s accusations against Azerbaijan</h2>

Yerevan has accused Azerbaijan of conducting a campaign of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-mass-exodus-underway-karabakhs-120000-armenians-to-leave-amid-fears-of-ethnic-cleansing-639178">“ethnic cleansing” </a>to clear the disputed region of its Armenian population, a claim that Baku has denied.&nbsp;

Armenia has also asked the World Court to order Azerbaijan to withdraw all its troops from civilian establishments in Nagorno-Karabakh and provide the United Nations access, said the court on Friday (Sep 29).&nbsp;

Armenia has also asked the court to reaffirm the orders it gave Azerbaijan in February and to order it to refrain from all actions directly or indirectly aimed at displacing the remaining ethnic Armenians from the region.

International experts also noted that the exodus of ethnic Armenians from the region meets the conditions for the war crime of “deportation or forcible transfer,” or even a crime against humanity.

<h2>UN visit to Karabakh</h2>

Azerbaijan on Friday (Sept 29) agreed to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/azerbaijan-forces-detain-top-karabakh-commander-641020">UN&nbsp;mission’s visit </a>to Nagorno-Karabakh “in the coming days”.&nbsp;

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that the UN will send a mission to Nagorno-Karabakh this weekend, mainly to assess humanitarian needs, adding that they have not had access to the region “in about 30 years.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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More than 100,000 people from Nagorno-Karabakh arrived in Armenia on Saturday (Sep 30) as nearly the entire population of the breakaway territory has already fled since Azerbaijan seized back control over the region.

More than 100,000 people from Nagorno-Karabakh arrived in Armenia on Saturday (Sep 30) as nearly the entire population of the breakaway territory has already fled since Azerbaijan seized back control over the region. Meanwhile, the death toll from an explosion and fire at a fuel depot in now Azerbaijani territory on Monday (Sep 25) rose to 170, said the separatist government. Over 100,000 refugees arrive in Armenia Azerbaijan launched a so-called military operation, on September 19 against the separatist Armenians, who have claimed part of Karabakh – internationally recognised as Azerbaijani territory – as their ancestral homeland. This has prompted ethnic Armenians in the region to flee amid fears of repression and “ethnic cleansing”. Yerevan, on Saturday, said that over 100,000 people from an estimated population of 120,000 had fled since the breakaway region saw its decades-long fight against Baku end in sudden defeat. Artak Beglaryan, a former separatist official, according to unofficial information on his social media said “the last groups” of Nagorno-Karabakh residents were on their way to Armenia on Saturday. He added, “At most a few hundred persons remain, most of whom are officials, emergency services employees, volunteers, some persons with special needs.” Death toll after fuel depot blast rises to 170 The death toll after the fuel depot blast on the outskirts of rebel stronghold Stepanakert last week rose to 170 on Friday (Sep 29) as ethnic Armenians were in the midst of leaving the breakaway region, said a report by AFP citing a separatist government. Forensic experts had been able to piece together “170 remains” of bodies that will be brought to Armenia for identification, said the official. Nearly 349 people – most of them suffering severe and critical burns – were being treated in hospitals across the region, said the media report. The updated toll means that nearly 600 people have lost their lives since Baku launched its military operation in the region. Armenia’s accusations against Azerbaijan Yerevan has accused Azerbaijan of conducting a campaign of “ethnic cleansing” to clear the disputed region of its Armenian population, a claim that Baku has denied. Armenia has also asked the World Court to order Azerbaijan to withdraw all its troops from civilian establishments in Nagorno-Karabakh and provide the United Nations access, said the court on Friday (Sep 29). Armenia has also asked the court to reaffirm the orders it gave Azerbaijan in February and to order it to refrain from all actions directly or indirectly aimed at displacing the remaining ethnic Armenians from the region. International experts also noted that the exodus of ethnic Armenians from the region meets the conditions for the war crime of “deportation or forcible transfer,” or even a crime against humanity. UN visit to Karabakh Azerbaijan on Friday (Sept 29) agreed to a UN mission’s visit to Nagorno-Karabakh “in the coming days”. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that the UN will send a mission to Nagorno-Karabakh this weekend, mainly to assess humanitarian needs, adding that they have not had access to the region “in about 30 years.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Armenia says over 100,000 have fled Nagorno-Karabakh; fuel depot blast death toll rises to 170

Nagorno-Karabakh Republic will cease to exist from Jan 1, 2024 - Nagorno-Karabakh authorities. In the latest, Azerbaijan’s security service on Thursday released footage of a former top official in the separatist ethnic Armenian administration of Nagorno-Karabakh after detention. However, it was not immediately clear where and when the footage was shot. To know more watch this interview with a Professor of International Relations, Glenn Diesen.

Nagorno-Karabakh: Fears of ethnic cleansing in disputed enclave

Nagorno-Karabakh Republic will cease to exist from Jan 1, 2024 - Nagorno-Karabakh authorities. In the latest, Azerbaijan’s security service on Thursday released footage of a former top official in the separatist ethnic Armenian administration of Nagorno-Karabakh after detention. However, it was not immediately clear where and when the footage was shot.

Ethnic Armenians flee breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh

A separatist leader from&nbsp;Nagorno-Karabakh said Thursday (Sep 28)&nbsp;that the breakaway region will cease&nbsp;to exist from January 1, 2024, as Azeri authorities plan to annex the region in its entirety.&nbsp;

"Dissolve all state institutions and organisations under their departmental subordination by January 1, 2024, and the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) ceases to exist," said the decree, which was issued as tens of thousands of ethnic Armenians fled in the wake of Azerbaijan's assault&nbsp;last&nbsp;week

Nagorno-Karabakh, a region long controlled by ethnic Armenians, is officially recognised as part of Azerbaijan. In December 2022, concerns of renewed conflict arose when Azerbaijan effectively blocked a crucial access route to the enclave, known as the Lachin corridor.

On September 20, a 24-hour ceasefire halted ongoing hostilities. Subsequently, Azerbaijan and Karabakh authorities initiated discussions about the enclave's integration into Azerbaijan.&nbsp;

<h2>Azerbaijan arrests top Karabakh leader</h2>

An Armenian leader has been apprehended by Azerbaijan from the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Ruben Vardanyan was arrested as he tried to leave the region for Armenia just like thousands of other ethnic Armenians, who fear they will be persecuted by the Azeri authorities.
<img alt="Top Karabakh leader in Azerbaijan's custody (Source: State border service of Azerbaijan)" data-caption="Top Karabakh leader in Azerbaijan's custody (Source: State border service of Azerbaijan)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9984f2a1-1d2e-400f-a7ca-df97d6173658" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture_59.JPG" />
(Top Karabakh leader in Azerbaijan's custody, Source: State border service of Azerbaijan)

Vardanyan is an Armenian businessman, who led the regional&nbsp;government&nbsp;from November 2022 to February of this year.

Vardanyan’s wife has now appealed for support to ensure the safe release of the separatist leader.

"Ruben has stood with the Arsakh people during the 10-month blockade and has suffered with them in their struggle for survival," said Veronika Zonabend.

<h2>Azerbaijan cracking down on “war crime suspects”</h2>

Azerbaijan in a statement to AFP said they were willing to offer amnesty to “Armenian fighters who laid down their arms in Karabakh". However, they made clear that “those who committed war crimes during the Karabakh wars must be handed over to us."

Baku earlier said they were actively looking for “war crimes” suspects.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjc1M7t28yBAxUYZvUHHeViDkAQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nagorno-karabakh-conflict-locals-leave-for-armenia-en-masse-after-azeri-victory-claim-639994" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/nagorno-karabakh-conflict-locals-leave-for-armenia-en-masse-after-azeri-victory-claim-639994&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjc1M7t28yBAxUYZvUHHeViDkAQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Locals leave for Armenia en masse after Azeri victory claim</a>

<h2>Armenians worried</h2>

However, many of the 120,000 ethnic Armenians living in the region express concerns about their future, with Armenia's prime minister alleging the onset of "ethnic cleansing."

Watch:&nbsp;Nagorno-Karabakh: Russian military doctors treat blast victims

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In the recent week's fighting, Karabakh authorities reported a toll of at least 200 casualties, while Azerbaijan stated that 192 of its soldiers had lost their lives.

Western governments have been urging Azerbaijan to permit international observers to monitor the situation in Karabakh and the treatment of the local population. On Tuesday, Germany joined this chorus, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock advocating for "transparency."

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A separatist leader from Nagorno-Karabakh said Thursday (Sep 28) that the breakaway region will cease to exist from January 1, 2024, as Azeri authorities plan to annex the region in its entirety.

A separatist leader from Nagorno-Karabakh said Thursday (Sep 28) that the breakaway region will cease to exist from January 1, 2024, as Azeri authorities plan to annex the region in its entirety. "Dissolve all state institutions and organisations under their departmental subordination by January 1, 2024, and the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) ceases to exist," said the decree, which was issued as tens of thousands of ethnic Armenians fled in the wake of Azerbaijan's assault last week Nagorno-Karabakh, a region long controlled by ethnic Armenians, is officially recognised as part of Azerbaijan. In December 2022, concerns of renewed conflict arose when Azerbaijan effectively blocked a crucial access route to the enclave, known as the Lachin corridor. On September 20, a 24-hour ceasefire halted ongoing hostilities. Subsequently, Azerbaijan and Karabakh authorities initiated discussions about the enclave's integration into Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan arrests top Karabakh leader An Armenian leader has been apprehended by Azerbaijan from the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Ruben Vardanyan was arrested as he tried to leave the region for Armenia just like thousands of other ethnic Armenians, who fear they will be persecuted by the Azeri authorities. (Top Karabakh leader in Azerbaijan's custody, Source: State border service of Azerbaijan) Vardanyan is an Armenian businessman, who led the regional government from November 2022 to February of this year. Vardanyan’s wife has now appealed for support to ensure the safe release of the separatist leader. "Ruben has stood with the Arsakh people during the 10-month blockade and has suffered with them in their struggle for survival," said Veronika Zonabend. Azerbaijan cracking down on “war crime suspects” Azerbaijan in a statement to AFP said they were willing to offer amnesty to “Armenian fighters who laid down their arms in Karabakh". However, they made clear that “those who committed war crimes during the Karabakh wars must be handed over to us." Baku earlier said they were actively looking for “war crimes” suspects. Also read: Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Locals leave for Armenia en masse after Azeri victory claim Armenians worried However, many of the 120,000 ethnic Armenians living in the region express concerns about their future, with Armenia's prime minister alleging the onset of "ethnic cleansing." Watch: Nagorno-Karabakh: Russian military doctors treat blast victims × In the recent week's fighting, Karabakh authorities reported a toll of at least 200 casualties, while Azerbaijan stated that 192 of its soldiers had lost their lives. Western governments have been urging Azerbaijan to permit international observers to monitor the situation in Karabakh and the treatment of the local population. On Tuesday, Germany joined this chorus, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock advocating for "transparency." WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Separatist state Nagorno-Karabakh will cease to exist next year, declares top leader

The death toll from an explosion and fire at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh on Monday had jumped to 125, reported the local media on Tuesday (Sep 26), citing the Armenian health ministry.&nbsp;

The United States and the United Nations called on Azerbaijan to protect civilians and let humanitarian aid into the breakaway region.&nbsp;

Armenian officials said over 28,000 entered Armenia after separatist forces in the breakaway enclave were defeated in a lightning offensive by Azerbaijan last week.&nbsp;

<h2>Death toll rises to 125&nbsp;</h2>

The Armenian health ministry, as per Interfax Azerbaijan, said that at least 125 people have been killed after a blast at a fuel depot in the Nagorno-Karabakh region on Monday (Sep 25).&nbsp;

The number rose sharply after separatist authorities <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-feared-dead-wounded-in-karabakh-after-fuel-depot-blast-armenian-separatist-officials-639573">reported 20 dead</a> on Tuesday morning. The Armenian health ministry said that the bodies of those killed in the blast have been transported to Armenia.&nbsp;

The explosion had resulted in hundreds of burn victims, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), while the health department said that nearly 300 people had been admitted to hospitals.&nbsp;

<h2>Over 28,000 refugees arrive in Armenia</h2>

Azerbaijan, on Tuesday (Sept 19) launched a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/azerbaijani-forces-strike-armenian-controlled-karabakh-risking-a-fresh-war-in-caucasus-region-637698">military operation </a>against the separatist Armenians, who have claimed part of Karabakh – internationally recognised as Azerbaijani territory – as their ancestral homeland.&nbsp;

The operation has prompted 120,000 ethnic Armenians in the region to flee amid fears of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-mass-exodus-underway-karabakhs-120000-armenians-to-leave-amid-fears-of-ethnic-cleansing-639178">repression and “ethnic cleansing”</a>. As of 1600 GMT on Tuesday, 28,120 refugees have so far arrived from the breakaway region, said the Armenian government, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

Hundreds of cars and buses packed with belongings were seen snaking down the mountain road out of Azerbaijan. “The whole way the children were crying, they were hungry,” grandmother-of-four Narine Shakaryan told Reuters at the border.&nbsp;

She also said that the 77-kilometre drive to the border had taken them 24 hours and they had no food. “We left so we would stay alive, not to live.”&nbsp;

Ethnic Armenians have given harrowing accounts of fleeing death, war and hunger as rushed to leave the Karabakh capital – Stepanakert by Armenia and Khankendi by Azerbaijan.&nbsp;

<h2>Azerbaijan looks for ‘war crime’ suspects: Report</h2>

In a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-group-of-karabakh-refugees-reaches-armenia-amid-mass-exodus-639190">sea of refugees</a>, Azerbaijan has sought to look for “war crime” suspects, according to a report by AFP noting that on a tour organised by the Azerbaijani government on Tuesday, they saw most of those crossing the border being women with children and the elderly.

Whereas, some Armenian men in their 20s and 30s were forced to stare into a camera for identification at the last Azerbaijani border post.&nbsp;

“Azerbaijan intends to apply an amnesty to Armenian fighters who laid down their arms in Karabakh,” an Azerbaijani government source told AFP.

“But those who committed war crimes during the Karabakh wars must be handed over to us,” said the source.&nbsp;

<h2>Calls to safeguard citizens</h2>

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the rights of Armenians fleeing Karabakh must be protected. “The Secretary-General is very concerned about the displacement of people we are seeing in Armenia,” said spokesman Stephane Dujarric.&nbsp;

He added, “First of all, it’s essential that the rights of the displaced populations be protected and that they receive humanitarian support.”&nbsp;

Similarly, US Agency for International Development (USAID) chief Samantha Power in Yerevan called for Baku “to maintain the ceasefire and take concrete steps to protect the rights of civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
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The death toll from an explosion and fire at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh on Monday had jumped to 125, reported the local media on Tuesday (Sep 26), citing the Armenian health ministry.

The death toll from an explosion and fire at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh on Monday had jumped to 125, reported the local media on Tuesday (Sep 26), citing the Armenian health ministry. The United States and the United Nations called on Azerbaijan to protect civilians and let humanitarian aid into the breakaway region. Armenian officials said over 28,000 entered Armenia after separatist forces in the breakaway enclave were defeated in a lightning offensive by Azerbaijan last week. Death toll rises to 125 The Armenian health ministry, as per Interfax Azerbaijan, said that at least 125 people have been killed after a blast at a fuel depot in the Nagorno-Karabakh region on Monday (Sep 25). The number rose sharply after separatist authorities reported 20 dead on Tuesday morning. The Armenian health ministry said that the bodies of those killed in the blast have been transported to Armenia. The explosion had resulted in hundreds of burn victims, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), while the health department said that nearly 300 people had been admitted to hospitals. Over 28,000 refugees arrive in Armenia Azerbaijan, on Tuesday (Sept 19) launched a military operation against the separatist Armenians, who have claimed part of Karabakh – internationally recognised as Azerbaijani territory – as their ancestral homeland. The operation has prompted 120,000 ethnic Armenians in the region to flee amid fears of repression and “ethnic cleansing”. As of 1600 GMT on Tuesday, 28,120 refugees have so far arrived from the breakaway region, said the Armenian government, as per Reuters. Hundreds of cars and buses packed with belongings were seen snaking down the mountain road out of Azerbaijan. “The whole way the children were crying, they were hungry,” grandmother-of-four Narine Shakaryan told Reuters at the border. She also said that the 77-kilometre drive to the border had taken them 24 hours and they had no food. “We left so we would stay alive, not to live.” Ethnic Armenians have given harrowing accounts of fleeing death, war and hunger as rushed to leave the Karabakh capital – Stepanakert by Armenia and Khankendi by Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan looks for ‘war crime’ suspects: Report In a sea of refugees, Azerbaijan has sought to look for “war crime” suspects, according to a report by AFP noting that on a tour organised by the Azerbaijani government on Tuesday, they saw most of those crossing the border being women with children and the elderly. Whereas, some Armenian men in their 20s and 30s were forced to stare into a camera for identification at the last Azerbaijani border post. “Azerbaijan intends to apply an amnesty to Armenian fighters who laid down their arms in Karabakh,” an Azerbaijani government source told AFP. “But those who committed war crimes during the Karabakh wars must be handed over to us,” said the source. Calls to safeguard citizens The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the rights of Armenians fleeing Karabakh must be protected. “The Secretary-General is very concerned about the displacement of people we are seeing in Armenia,” said spokesman Stephane Dujarric. He added, “First of all, it’s essential that the rights of the displaced populations be protected and that they receive humanitarian support.” Similarly, US Agency for International Development (USAID) chief Samantha Power in Yerevan called for Baku “to maintain the ceasefire and take concrete steps to protect the rights of civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Death toll from fuel depot fire in Karabakh rises to 125; over 28,000 refugees arrive in Armenia

After forcing Armenian separatist forces to accept a ceasefire that will see the province fully return to Baku, Azerbaijan launched a 24-hour military operation and claimed the contested region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Days after announcing a ceasefire, Azerbaijan's health ministry has announced that a total of 192&nbsp;Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 wounded during the offensive in&nbsp;Nagorno-Karabakh.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Armenian health ministry said 237 people had been wounded in the offensive by Azeri forces as well as the gas station explosion that took place on Monday (Sep 25).&nbsp;

That explosion occurred as people queued to refuel their vehicles at a gas station outside Stepanakert, the regional capital.&nbsp;While the exact cause remains unclear, Nagorno-Karabakh presidential aide David Babayan suggested that initial information pointed to negligence as the likely cause, with sabotage being unlikely.

Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev stated that hospitals in Azerbaijan were prepared to treat victims, though it was not specified if any injured individuals had been admitted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/looming-humanitarian-crisis-in-armenia-for-azerbaijan-exit-of-armenians-a-major-victory-639648">Watch |&nbsp;Looming humanitarian crisis in Armenia: For Azerbaijan, exit of Armenians a major victory</a>

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<h2>What happened between Armenia and Azerbaijan?</h2>

For decades, the&nbsp;mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh province has been the centre of a bitter conflict between the former soviet states of Armenia and&nbsp;Azerbaijan.

Nagorno-Karabakh came under the control of ethnic Armenian forces, backed by the Armenian military, in separatist fighting that ended in 1994. During a six-week war in 2020, Azerbaijan took back parts of Nagorno-Karabakh along with surrounding territory that Armenian forces had claimed during the earlier conflict.

The use of modern, deadly drones by the Azeri forces was dubbed as the game changer at the time which completely trashed the Armenian forces.&nbsp;

However, last week,&nbsp;Azerbaijan launched a full-scale attack on the region to reclaim complete control of the breakaway region, occupied by Armenian separatists for about 30 years.&nbsp;

As Azeri troops increased the intensity, the separatist troops agreed to lay down arms and brought the conflict to an end in a rather timid way. Subsequently,&nbsp;Azerbaijan lifted a 10-month blockade of the road linking the territory to Armenia.

The road blockade had led to severe shortages of essential supplies, including food, medicine, and fuel. Despite Azerbaijan's commitment to respecting the rights of Armenians, many residents remain apprehensive about potential repercussions. A mass displacement is already underway as&nbsp;more than a third of the region's population has already left.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nagorno-karabakh-conflict-locals-leave-for-armenia-en-masse-after-azeri-victory-claim-639994">Also read |&nbsp;Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Locals leave for Armenia en masse after Azeri victory claim</a>

Azerbaijan and separatist officials have held two rounds of talks on the “reintegration” of Nagorno-Karabakh and its ethnic Armenian population into the mainly Muslim country, but how exactly it would happen remains unclear.

Since Baku’s operation, Armenian leader Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has faced mounting pressure and criticism. The police have arrested over 100 protesters&nbsp;as anti-government protests continue across Yerevan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Days after announcing a ceasefire, Azerbaijan's health ministry has announced that a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 wounded during the offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Days after announcing a ceasefire, Azerbaijan's health ministry has announced that a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 wounded during the offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh. Meanwhile, the Armenian health ministry said 237 people had been wounded in the offensive by Azeri forces as well as the gas station explosion that took place on Monday (Sep 25). That explosion occurred as people queued to refuel their vehicles at a gas station outside Stepanakert, the regional capital. While the exact cause remains unclear, Nagorno-Karabakh presidential aide David Babayan suggested that initial information pointed to negligence as the likely cause, with sabotage being unlikely. Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev stated that hospitals in Azerbaijan were prepared to treat victims, though it was not specified if any injured individuals had been admitted. Watch | Looming humanitarian crisis in Armenia: For Azerbaijan, exit of Armenians a major victory × What happened between Armenia and Azerbaijan? For decades, the mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh province has been the centre of a bitter conflict between the former soviet states of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Nagorno-Karabakh came under the control of ethnic Armenian forces, backed by the Armenian military, in separatist fighting that ended in 1994. During a six-week war in 2020, Azerbaijan took back parts of Nagorno-Karabakh along with surrounding territory that Armenian forces had claimed during the earlier conflict. The use of modern, deadly drones by the Azeri forces was dubbed as the game changer at the time which completely trashed the Armenian forces. However, last week, Azerbaijan launched a full-scale attack on the region to reclaim complete control of the breakaway region, occupied by Armenian separatists for about 30 years. As Azeri troops increased the intensity, the separatist troops agreed to lay down arms and brought the conflict to an end in a rather timid way. Subsequently, Azerbaijan lifted a 10-month blockade of the road linking the territory to Armenia. The road blockade had led to severe shortages of essential supplies, including food, medicine, and fuel. Despite Azerbaijan's commitment to respecting the rights of Armenians, many residents remain apprehensive about potential repercussions. A mass displacement is already underway as more than a third of the region's population has already left. Also read | Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Locals leave for Armenia en masse after Azeri victory claim Azerbaijan and separatist officials have held two rounds of talks on the “reintegration” of Nagorno-Karabakh and its ethnic Armenian population into the mainly Muslim country, but how exactly it would happen remains unclear. Since Baku’s operation, Armenian leader Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has faced mounting pressure and criticism. The police have arrested over 100 protesters as anti-government protests continue across Yerevan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Azerbaijan says 192 troops killed, 511 wounded in Nagorno-Karabakh offensive

After Azerbaijan's recent attack on Nagorno-Karabakh following which breakaway region is being subsumed into territories administered by Baku, Armenia's government reported that approximately 23 per cent of the region's population, roughly 28,000 people, sought refuge in Armenia.

The mass displacement occurred swiftly after Azerbaijan lifted a 10-month blockade on the sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, which had led to severe shortages of essential supplies, including food, medicine, and fuel. Despite Azerbaijan's commitment to respecting the rights of Armenians, many residents remained apprehensive about potential repercussions.

Simultaneously, the death toll from an explosion at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh increased to 125, with an additional 105 individuals missing and nearly 300 injured, according to the office of Karabakh's ombudsman.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-fuel-depot-fire-in-karabakh-rises-to-125-over-28000-refugees-arrive-in-armenia-639949">Death toll from fuel depot fire in Karabakh rises to 125</a>

This explosion occurred as people queued to refuel their vehicles at a gas station outside Stepanakert, the regional capital, late on Monday. While the exact cause remains unclear, Nagorno-Karabakh presidential aide David Babayan suggested that initial information pointed to negligence as the likely cause, with sabotage being unlikely.

Also read |&nbsp;Decoding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

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Armenian authorities also confirmed the transfer of 125 bodies from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia for identification, with all casualties having occurred during the fighting the previous week.

Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev stated that hospitals in Azerbaijan were prepared to treat victims, though it was not specified if any injured individuals had been admitted.

Additionally, on Tuesday, Azerbaijan announced the dispatch of 30 metric tonnes of gasoline and 34 metric tonnes of diesel fuel to the region.

<h2>International response</h2>

Meanwhile, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to refrain from further hostilities in the region, provide assurances to the region's residents, and permit access to an international observer mission.

Washington also announced that it&nbsp;would provide additional assistance to assist local communities in offering shelter and essential supplies, including hygiene kits, blankets, and clothing, to address the needs of those affected or displaced by the violence in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The United Nations, whose General Assembly is currently in session, is yet to react to the annexation of the breakaway region.

Notably, the Azerbaijani military achieved a swift victory over Armenian forces in a 24-hour offensive the previous week, compelling separatist authorities to agree to disarm and initiate discussions regarding the potential "reintegration" of Nagorno-Karabakh into Azerbaijan.

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After Azerbaijan's recent attack on Nagorno-Karabakh following which breakaway region is being subsumed into territories administered by Baku, Armenia's government reported that approximately 23 per cent of the region's population, roughly 28,000 people, sought refuge in Armenia.

After Azerbaijan's recent attack on Nagorno-Karabakh following which breakaway region is being subsumed into territories administered by Baku, Armenia's government reported that approximately 23 per cent of the region's population, roughly 28,000 people, sought refuge in Armenia. The mass displacement occurred swiftly after Azerbaijan lifted a 10-month blockade on the sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, which had led to severe shortages of essential supplies, including food, medicine, and fuel. Despite Azerbaijan's commitment to respecting the rights of Armenians, many residents remained apprehensive about potential repercussions. Simultaneously, the death toll from an explosion at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh increased to 125, with an additional 105 individuals missing and nearly 300 injured, according to the office of Karabakh's ombudsman. Also read | Death toll from fuel depot fire in Karabakh rises to 125 This explosion occurred as people queued to refuel their vehicles at a gas station outside Stepanakert, the regional capital, late on Monday. While the exact cause remains unclear, Nagorno-Karabakh presidential aide David Babayan suggested that initial information pointed to negligence as the likely cause, with sabotage being unlikely. Also read | Decoding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict × Armenian authorities also confirmed the transfer of 125 bodies from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia for identification, with all casualties having occurred during the fighting the previous week. Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev stated that hospitals in Azerbaijan were prepared to treat victims, though it was not specified if any injured individuals had been admitted. Additionally, on Tuesday, Azerbaijan announced the dispatch of 30 metric tonnes of gasoline and 34 metric tonnes of diesel fuel to the region. International response Meanwhile, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to refrain from further hostilities in the region, provide assurances to the region's residents, and permit access to an international observer mission. Washington also announced that it would provide additional assistance to assist local communities in offering shelter and essential supplies, including hygiene kits, blankets, and clothing, to address the needs of those affected or displaced by the violence in Nagorno-Karabakh. The United Nations, whose General Assembly is currently in session, is yet to react to the annexation of the breakaway region. Notably, the Azerbaijani military achieved a swift victory over Armenian forces in a 24-hour offensive the previous week, compelling separatist authorities to agree to disarm and initiate discussions regarding the potential "reintegration" of Nagorno-Karabakh into Azerbaijan. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Locals leave for Armenia en masse after Azeri victory claim

Looming humanitarian crisis in Armenia: For Azerbaijan, exit of Armenians a major victory

Nagorno-Karabakh: Russian military doctors treat blast victims

Azerbaijan takes control of Nagorno-Karabakh; Chaos on roads leading to Armenia

At least 20 people were killed and more than hundreds injured in a blast at a fuel depot&nbsp;in Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region on Monday (September 25). This comes as the separatist authorities are in the midst of preparing to hand over the power of the region to Azerbaijan.&nbsp;

The health department said that nearly 300 people have been admitted to hospitals, with dozens of them "still in critical condition".

The Armenian separatist interior ministry, in a statement, said, “There are dead and wounded as a result of an explosion at a fuel depot near the Stepanakert-Askeran road,” adding that the “rescuers and medics are working at the scene”.&nbsp;

This comes as thousands of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh are leaving the region for Armenia. Yerevan said that several days after the fighting, the first refugees arrived in Armenia on Sunday and 6,650 people have so far entered.

The incident comes as&nbsp;people fleeing the region, with Armenia saying that 13,350 “forcibly displaced persons” entered the country. In a statement, the government also said it would provide accommodation for all those in need.

<h2>US calls Russia ‘unreliable’</h2>

On Sunday (Sept 24), the Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan took a swipe at the long-standing ally Russia after previously criticising Moscow – the traditional power broker in the region – for being too distracted by its own war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Moscow, which has around 2,000 peacekeepers in the region as well as a military base in Armenia, regards itself as the prime security guarantor.&nbsp;

Pashinyan also spoke about how Armenia’s current foreign security alliances were “ineffective” and “insufficient” after the conflict ended with Armenian-backed separatists agreeing to lay down their arms.

“I do think that Russia has shown that it is not a security partner that can be relied on,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters, on Monday.&nbsp;

Washington has previously criticised Azerbaijan’s military operation and expressed “deep concern” for ethnic Armenians.&nbsp;Senior US&nbsp;officials from President Joe Biden's administration also arrived on Monday (Sept 25) to meet&nbsp;senior Armenian government officials, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-russian-black-sea-fleet-commander-killed-as-us-abrams-tanks-reach-kyiv-639515">Ukraine claims Russian Black Sea fleet commander killed as US Abrams tanks reach Kyiv</a>

The visit will&nbsp;affirm the US partnership and "discuss measures to address the humanitarian crisis there (Nagorno-Karabakh)."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-of-its-kind-uk-charity-launches-app-for-teens-to-prevent-child-sexual-abuse-639695">UK charity launches app to help teens deal with porn-linked abusive sexual behaviour</a>

“We do believe there should be an international mission to provide transparency, reassurance and confidence to the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and the international community that their rights and security will be protected consistent with the public statements that Azerbaijan has made,” said Miller, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

<h2>Russia accuses Armenia of trying to sever ties</h2>

After the Armenian PM’s remarks, Russia said, “The leadership in Yerevan is making a huge mistake by deliberately trying to destroy Armenia’s multifaceted and centuries-old ties with Russia, and by holding the country hostage to the geopolitical games of the West.”&nbsp;

The Pashinyan&nbsp;statement also contained “unacceptable attacks on Russia,”&nbsp;said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-armenia-of-trying-to-sever-ties-erdogan-meets-azerbaijans-aliyev-639538">Moscow's&nbsp;foreign ministry</a>.&nbsp;

This comes after Russia&nbsp;refused to come to Armenia’s assistance in the latest Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and reportedly argued that Yerevan itself recognised the disputed region as part of Baku.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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At least 20 people were killed and more than hundreds injured in a blast at a fuel depot in Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region on Monday (September 25). This comes as the separatist authorities are in the midst of preparing to hand over the power of the region to Azerbaijan.

At least 20 people were killed and more than hundreds injured in a blast at a fuel depot in Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region on Monday (September 25). This comes as the separatist authorities are in the midst of preparing to hand over the power of the region to Azerbaijan. The health department said that nearly 300 people have been admitted to hospitals, with dozens of them "still in critical condition". The Armenian separatist interior ministry, in a statement, said, “There are dead and wounded as a result of an explosion at a fuel depot near the Stepanakert-Askeran road,” adding that the “rescuers and medics are working at the scene”. This comes as thousands of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh are leaving the region for Armenia. Yerevan said that several days after the fighting, the first refugees arrived in Armenia on Sunday and 6,650 people have so far entered. The incident comes as people fleeing the region, with Armenia saying that 13,350 “forcibly displaced persons” entered the country. In a statement, the government also said it would provide accommodation for all those in need. US calls Russia ‘unreliable’ On Sunday (Sept 24), the Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan took a swipe at the long-standing ally Russia after previously criticising Moscow – the traditional power broker in the region – for being too distracted by its own war in Ukraine. Moscow, which has around 2,000 peacekeepers in the region as well as a military base in Armenia, regards itself as the prime security guarantor. Pashinyan also spoke about how Armenia’s current foreign security alliances were “ineffective” and “insufficient” after the conflict ended with Armenian-backed separatists agreeing to lay down their arms. “I do think that Russia has shown that it is not a security partner that can be relied on,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters, on Monday. Washington has previously criticised Azerbaijan’s military operation and expressed “deep concern” for ethnic Armenians. Senior US officials from President Joe Biden's administration also arrived on Monday (Sept 25) to meet senior Armenian government officials, reported Reuters. Also read | Ukraine claims Russian Black Sea fleet commander killed as US Abrams tanks reach Kyiv The visit will affirm the US partnership and "discuss measures to address the humanitarian crisis there (Nagorno-Karabakh)." Also read | UK charity launches app to help teens deal with porn-linked abusive sexual behaviour “We do believe there should be an international mission to provide transparency, reassurance and confidence to the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and the international community that their rights and security will be protected consistent with the public statements that Azerbaijan has made,” said Miller, as quoted by AFP. Russia accuses Armenia of trying to sever ties After the Armenian PM’s remarks, Russia said, “The leadership in Yerevan is making a huge mistake by deliberately trying to destroy Armenia’s multifaceted and centuries-old ties with Russia, and by holding the country hostage to the geopolitical games of the West.” The Pashinyan statement also contained “unacceptable attacks on Russia,” said Moscow's foreign ministry. This comes after Russia refused to come to Armenia’s assistance in the latest Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and reportedly argued that Yerevan itself recognised the disputed region as part of Baku. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At least 20 killed, hundreds wounded after fuel depot blast in Nagorno-Karabakh

Russia accused Armenia on Monday (September 25) of severing ties in the aftermath of Yerevan claiming that Russian peacekeepers are failing to stop Azerbaijan's military offensive against Armenian separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh last week.&nbsp;

Russia's foreign ministry said, "The leadership in Yerevan is making a huge mistake by deliberately trying to destroy Armenia's multifaceted and centuries-old ties with Russia, and by holding the country hostage to the geopolitical games of the West."&nbsp;

The accusations came as&nbsp;Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was meeting his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev, after thousands of ethnic Armenians fled Nagorno-Karabakh.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-places-icc-president-on-wanted-list-amid-allegations-of-torturing-ukrainian-victims-to-death-639487">Russia places ICC president on wanted list amid allegations it tortured Ukrainians to death</a>&nbsp;

Erdogan's one-day visit to Azerbaijan's autonomous Nakhchivan exclave aimed at discussing the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and other issues of mutual interest.&nbsp;

In a joint presser, Erdogan said that the successful completion of Azerbaijan's victory in Karabakh was a matter of pride.&nbsp;

He said: "It is a matter of pride that the operation was successfully completed in a short period of time, with utmost sensitivity to the rights of civilians."&nbsp;

He added, "I wholeheartedly congratulate the victorious Azerbaijani army for both its historic success and its humanitarian attitude towards civilians."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-removes-chinese-floating-barrier-in-south-china-sea-after-special-operation-639496">Philippines removes Chinese ‘floating barrier’ in South China Sea after ‘special operation’</a>&nbsp;

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Sunday slammed Moscow for refusing to intervene in the conflict.&nbsp;

Pashinyan said Armenia's current foreign security alliances were "ineffective" and "insufficient" after the conflict ended with Armenian-backed separatists agreeing to lay down their arms.

Moscow said Pashinyan's statement contained "unacceptable attacks on Russia".&nbsp;

"It is an attempt to absolve himself of the responsibility for the failures in domestic and foreign policy," its foreign ministry said.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;NIA to seize properties of 19 more Khalistani extremists&nbsp;

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<h2>Thousands flee into Armenia&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, thousands of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh streamed into Armenia on Monday. Yerevan said that several days after the fighting, the first refugees arrived in Armenia on Sunday and 6,650 people have so far entered.&nbsp;

In the last three decades, Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars over Nagorno-Karabakh, a majority-ethnic Armenian enclave within the internationally recognised border of Azerbaijan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia accused Armenia on Monday (September 25) of severing ties in the aftermath of Yerevan claiming that Russian peacekeepers are failing to stop Azerbaijan's military offensive against Armenian separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh last week.

Russia accused Armenia on Monday (September 25) of severing ties in the aftermath of Yerevan claiming that Russian peacekeepers are failing to stop Azerbaijan's military offensive against Armenian separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh last week. Russia's foreign ministry said, "The leadership in Yerevan is making a huge mistake by deliberately trying to destroy Armenia's multifaceted and centuries-old ties with Russia, and by holding the country hostage to the geopolitical games of the West." The accusations came as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was meeting his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev, after thousands of ethnic Armenians fled Nagorno-Karabakh. Also read: Russia places ICC president on wanted list amid allegations it tortured Ukrainians to death Erdogan's one-day visit to Azerbaijan's autonomous Nakhchivan exclave aimed at discussing the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and other issues of mutual interest. In a joint presser, Erdogan said that the successful completion of Azerbaijan's victory in Karabakh was a matter of pride. He said: "It is a matter of pride that the operation was successfully completed in a short period of time, with utmost sensitivity to the rights of civilians." He added, "I wholeheartedly congratulate the victorious Azerbaijani army for both its historic success and its humanitarian attitude towards civilians." Also read: Philippines removes Chinese ‘floating barrier’ in South China Sea after ‘special operation’ Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Sunday slammed Moscow for refusing to intervene in the conflict. Pashinyan said Armenia's current foreign security alliances were "ineffective" and "insufficient" after the conflict ended with Armenian-backed separatists agreeing to lay down their arms. Moscow said Pashinyan's statement contained "unacceptable attacks on Russia". "It is an attempt to absolve himself of the responsibility for the failures in domestic and foreign policy," its foreign ministry said. Watch: NIA to seize properties of 19 more Khalistani extremists × Thousands flee into Armenia Meanwhile, thousands of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh streamed into Armenia on Monday. Yerevan said that several days after the fighting, the first refugees arrived in Armenia on Sunday and 6,650 people have so far entered. In the last three decades, Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars over Nagorno-Karabakh, a majority-ethnic Armenian enclave within the internationally recognised border of Azerbaijan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia accuses Armenia of trying to sever ties; Erdogan meets Azerbaijan's Aliyev

Following Moscow's refusal to intervene in Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan labeled his nation's security accords with that country "ineffective" on Sunday, suggesting a possible break from Moscow.

Armenian PM signals foreign policy shift away from Russia

The Nagorno-Karabakh refugees' first group entered Armenia on Sunday (September 24) after the lightning assault by Azerbaijan against the separatist region, said an AFP team present at the border. 
 
The group of some dozen people crossed the Azerbaijani border and entered the Armenian village of Kornidzor, where the officials from the foreign ministry of Armenia carried out their registration. 
 
Primarily, the group comprised of women, children and the elderly. Speaking to AFP, some people said that they came from the border-area village of Eghtsahogh, while others stated that they have travelled longer distances. 
 
Earlier on Sunday (September 24), the separatists said that the civilians left homeless because of the latest violence will be transferred to Armenia with the aid of Russian peacekeepers, who have been present in the region since the six-week war broke out in 2020.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/karabakh-forces-begin-giving-up-arms-negotiate-withdrawal-us-delegation-visits-armenia-to-show-support-638929">Explained | Azerbaijani soldier wounded in Karabakh ceasefire violation. Here’s what happened</a>

One person said that he was part of the separatist resistance. The rebels were forced to agree to disarm by Azerbaijan's offensive on Wednesday. 
 
"Our families were in shelters," said the man, who was in his 30s and belonged to the village of Mets Shen. "Yesterday, we had to put down our rifles. So we left," he added. 
 
Azerbaijan has taken the pledge to allow rebel fighters, who have given up their arms, to leave through the Lachin Corridor to Armenia. 
 
The interior ministry of Azerbaijan on Sunday said that buses will be arranged for former fighters, adding that some can also travel by car to Armenia. 
 
The Baku officials and separatists held an initial round of "reintegration" talks on Thursday (September 21) which ended with an agreement to meet again soon. 
 
The apparent capitulation of the separatists can mark the end of a conflict between the Muslim Caucasus and Christian rivals which has raged -- off and on -- through the three decades since the the Soviet Union collapsed.

<h2>Mass exodus of Karabakh's 120,000 Armenians</h2>

On Sunday, the leadership of the separatist region said that 120,000 ethnic Armenians who are living in Nagorno-Karabakh will be leaving for Armenia as they do not wish to be part of Azerbaijan and fear ethnic cleansing, Reuters reported. 
 
Armenia's Prime Minister said that the Karabakh Armenians are likely to move from the region and that Armenia was willing to accept them.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia calls for halt to fighting between Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh

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"Our people do not want to live as part of Azerbaijan. Ninety-nine point nine per cent prefer to leave our historic lands," said David Babayan, an adviser to Samvel Shahramanyan, the president of the self-styled Republic of Artsakh, while speaking to Reuters. 
 
"The fate of our poor people will go down in history as a disgrace and a shame for the Armenian people and for the whole civilised world. Those responsible for our fate will one day have to answer before God for their sins,” Babayan added.

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The Nagorno-Karabakh refugees' first group entered Armenia on Sunday (September 24) after the lightning assault by Azerbaijan against the separatist region, said an AFP team present at the border.

The Nagorno-Karabakh refugees' first group entered Armenia on Sunday (September 24) after the lightning assault by Azerbaijan against the separatist region, said an AFP team present at the border. The group of some dozen people crossed the Azerbaijani border and entered the Armenian village of Kornidzor, where the officials from the foreign ministry of Armenia carried out their registration. Primarily, the group comprised of women, children and the elderly. Speaking to AFP, some people said that they came from the border-area village of Eghtsahogh, while others stated that they have travelled longer distances. Earlier on Sunday (September 24), the separatists said that the civilians left homeless because of the latest violence will be transferred to Armenia with the aid of Russian peacekeepers, who have been present in the region since the six-week war broke out in 2020. ALSO READ | Explained | Azerbaijani soldier wounded in Karabakh ceasefire violation. Here’s what happened One person said that he was part of the separatist resistance. The rebels were forced to agree to disarm by Azerbaijan's offensive on Wednesday. "Our families were in shelters," said the man, who was in his 30s and belonged to the village of Mets Shen. "Yesterday, we had to put down our rifles. So we left," he added. Azerbaijan has taken the pledge to allow rebel fighters, who have given up their arms, to leave through the Lachin Corridor to Armenia. The interior ministry of Azerbaijan on Sunday said that buses will be arranged for former fighters, adding that some can also travel by car to Armenia. The Baku officials and separatists held an initial round of "reintegration" talks on Thursday (September 21) which ended with an agreement to meet again soon. The apparent capitulation of the separatists can mark the end of a conflict between the Muslim Caucasus and Christian rivals which has raged -- off and on -- through the three decades since the the Soviet Union collapsed. Mass exodus of Karabakh's 120,000 Armenians On Sunday, the leadership of the separatist region said that 120,000 ethnic Armenians who are living in Nagorno-Karabakh will be leaving for Armenia as they do not wish to be part of Azerbaijan and fear ethnic cleansing, Reuters reported. Armenia's Prime Minister said that the Karabakh Armenians are likely to move from the region and that Armenia was willing to accept them. WATCH | Russia calls for halt to fighting between Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh "Our people do not want to live as part of Azerbaijan. Ninety-nine point nine per cent prefer to leave our historic lands," said David Babayan, an adviser to Samvel Shahramanyan, the president of the self-styled Republic of Artsakh, while speaking to Reuters. "The fate of our poor people will go down in history as a disgrace and a shame for the Armenian people and for the whole civilised world. Those responsible for our fate will one day have to answer before God for their sins,” Babayan added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

First group of Karabakh refugees reaches Armenia amid mass exodus

After forcing Armenian separatist forces to accept a ceasefire that will see the province fully return to Baku, Azerbaijan announced on Wednesday that it had stopped armed operations in the breakaway enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict claims 200 lives

The 120,000 ethnic Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh will leave for Armenia as they do not want to be a part of Azerbaijan and live in the constant fear of ethnic cleansing, the leader of the breakaway region told Reuters, on Sunday (September 24). Similarly, the Armenian prime minister also said that the possibility of Karabakh Armenians leaving the region is high and that Yerevan was ready to take them.&nbsp;

This comes after Azerbaijan, on Tuesday (Sept 19) launched a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/azerbaijani-forces-strike-armenian-controlled-karabakh-risking-a-fresh-war-in-caucasus-region-637698">military operation</a> against the separatist Armenians, who have claimed part of Karabakh – which is internationally recognised as Azerbaijani territory – as their ancestral homeland.&nbsp;

While Baku has said that it will guarantee their rights if they choose to stay back and integrate the region, Armenians say they fear repression.

<h2>Mass exodus in Nagorno-Karabakh?</h2>

“Our people do not want to live as part of Azerbaijan. Ninety-nine point nine percent prefer to leave our historic lands,” David Babayan, an adviser to Samvel Shahramanyan, the president of the self-styled Republic of Artsakh, told Reuters.&nbsp;

He added, “The fate of our poor people will go down in history as a disgrace and a shame for the Armenian people and for the whole civilised world.”&nbsp;

The military operation which reportedly led to the deaths of over 200 people and wounded 400 others, ended after the Armenians of Karabakh were forced to declare a ceasefire following a lightning 24-hour attack by the much larger Azerbaijani military.

Meanwhile, AFP reported that furious relatives of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/karabakh-forces-begin-giving-up-arms-negotiate-withdrawal-us-delegation-visits-armenia-to-show-support-638929">ethnic Armenians trapped</a> in the breakaway region gathered at the Azerbaijan border to await a medical evacuation.&nbsp;

The Armenian health ministry said 23 ambulances carrying a first batch of “seriously and very seriously wounded citizens,” were on their way to the border, accompanied by medics and Red Cross workers.

The leader of the breakaway region said it was not immediately clear when the population would move down the Lachin corridor which links the territory to Armenia.&nbsp;

The ethnic Armenian authorities also said that Russian peacekeepers will escort the homeless families of Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia if they wish.&nbsp;

“We inform you that families who have become homeless as a result of recent military operations and who have expressed desire to leave the republic will be carried out by Russian peacekeepers,” said the authorities on Facebook.&nbsp;

It added, “The government will soon provide information about the transfer of other population groups.”&nbsp;

If a mass exodus were to take place, it could change the delicate balance of power in the South Caucasus region where countries like Russia, the United States, Turkey and Iran are jostling for influence. Notably, the region is home to several oil and gas pipelines and home to people of multiple ethnicities.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Danger of ethnic cleansing’</h2>

As the Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan continues to face calls for resignation, he said that Yerevan is ready to accept all ethnic Armenian compatriots from Nagorno-Karabakh. “The Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh still face the danger of ethnic cleansing,” said Pashinyan, during a national address, as per TASS.&nbsp;

He added, “If real living conditions are not created for the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh in their homes and effective mechanisms of protection against ethnic cleansing, then the likelihood is increasing that the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh will see expulsion from their homeland as the only way out.”

“Our government will lovingly welcome our brothers and sisters from Nagorno-Karabakh,” said Pashinyan. However, it was not immediately clear where the 120,000 people could be housed in Armenia which is home to some 2.8 million people.&nbsp;

<h2>Shift in alliance?</h2>

The Armenian PM also took a swipe at the long-standing ally Russia after previously criticising Moscow – the traditional power broker in the region – for being too distracted by its own war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Moscow-Yerevan military-political cooperation were “insufficient” security guarantees, said the Armenian PM.&nbsp;

This comes after Moscow refused to come to Armenia’s assistance in the latest Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-ready-to-recognise-nagorno-karabakh-as-azeri-territory-amid-massive-protests-595145">reportedly</a> argued that Yerevan itself recognised the disputed region as part of Baku.&nbsp;

Pashinyan, earlier this week, also said that unidentified forces were planning a coup against him amid widespread protests in Yerevan which have led to the arrest of nearly 100 people. Additionally, he has also accused Russian media of fighting an information war against him.

Moscow, which has around 2,000 peacekeepers in the region as well as a military base in Armenia, regards itself as the prime security guarantor. But that might change soon, as Armenia recently hosted a joint army exercise with the United States. &nbsp;

Washington has criticised Azerbaijan’s military operation and expressed “deep concern” for ethnic Armenians there and even sent a US congressional delegation to meet with leaders in Armenia to express support.&nbsp;

<h2>What about Azerbaijan?</h2>

During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov promised that Baku would ensure equal treatment for ethnic Armenians from the disputed region.&nbsp;

“I wish to reiterate that Azerbaijan is determined to reintegrate ethnic Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan as equal citizens,” said Bayramov. It is also worth noting that last week’s Azerbaijani victory may have brought a decisive end to the decades-long conflict.&nbsp;

Turkey – a member of the US-led military alliance NATO – has previously expressed support for Baku’s operation to preserve its territorial integrity.&nbsp;

Days, after Washington said it sent delegates to Armenia, the Turkish presidency, on Sunday (Sept 24), reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet his counterpart Ilham Aliyev in the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan on Monday.&nbsp;

This comes as the two allies have sought to step up efforts to open a land corridor linking Turkey to Azerbaijan’s main territory via Nakhchivan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The 120,000 ethnic Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh will leave for Armenia as they do not want to be a part of Azerbaijan and live in the constant fear of ethnic cleansing, the leader of the breakaway region told Reuters, on Sunday (September 24).

The 120,000 ethnic Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh will leave for Armenia as they do not want to be a part of Azerbaijan and live in the constant fear of ethnic cleansing, the leader of the breakaway region told Reuters, on Sunday (September 24). Similarly, the Armenian prime minister also said that the possibility of Karabakh Armenians leaving the region is high and that Yerevan was ready to take them. This comes after Azerbaijan, on Tuesday (Sept 19) launched a military operation against the separatist Armenians, who have claimed part of Karabakh – which is internationally recognised as Azerbaijani territory – as their ancestral homeland. While Baku has said that it will guarantee their rights if they choose to stay back and integrate the region, Armenians say they fear repression. Mass exodus in Nagorno-Karabakh? “Our people do not want to live as part of Azerbaijan. Ninety-nine point nine percent prefer to leave our historic lands,” David Babayan, an adviser to Samvel Shahramanyan, the president of the self-styled Republic of Artsakh, told Reuters. He added, “The fate of our poor people will go down in history as a disgrace and a shame for the Armenian people and for the whole civilised world.” The military operation which reportedly led to the deaths of over 200 people and wounded 400 others, ended after the Armenians of Karabakh were forced to declare a ceasefire following a lightning 24-hour attack by the much larger Azerbaijani military. Meanwhile, AFP reported that furious relatives of ethnic Armenians trapped in the breakaway region gathered at the Azerbaijan border to await a medical evacuation. The Armenian health ministry said 23 ambulances carrying a first batch of “seriously and very seriously wounded citizens,” were on their way to the border, accompanied by medics and Red Cross workers. The leader of the breakaway region said it was not immediately clear when the population would move down the Lachin corridor which links the territory to Armenia. The ethnic Armenian authorities also said that Russian peacekeepers will escort the homeless families of Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia if they wish. “We inform you that families who have become homeless as a result of recent military operations and who have expressed desire to leave the republic will be carried out by Russian peacekeepers,” said the authorities on Facebook. It added, “The government will soon provide information about the transfer of other population groups.” If a mass exodus were to take place, it could change the delicate balance of power in the South Caucasus region where countries like Russia, the United States, Turkey and Iran are jostling for influence. Notably, the region is home to several oil and gas pipelines and home to people of multiple ethnicities. ‘Danger of ethnic cleansing’ As the Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan continues to face calls for resignation, he said that Yerevan is ready to accept all ethnic Armenian compatriots from Nagorno-Karabakh. “The Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh still face the danger of ethnic cleansing,” said Pashinyan, during a national address, as per TASS. He added, “If real living conditions are not created for the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh in their homes and effective mechanisms of protection against ethnic cleansing, then the likelihood is increasing that the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh will see expulsion from their homeland as the only way out.” “Our government will lovingly welcome our brothers and sisters from Nagorno-Karabakh,” said Pashinyan. However, it was not immediately clear where the 120,000 people could be housed in Armenia which is home to some 2.8 million people. Shift in alliance? The Armenian PM also took a swipe at the long-standing ally Russia after previously criticising Moscow – the traditional power broker in the region – for being too distracted by its own war in Ukraine. Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Moscow-Yerevan military-political cooperation were “insufficient” security guarantees, said the Armenian PM. This comes after Moscow refused to come to Armenia’s assistance in the latest Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and reportedly argued that Yerevan itself recognised the disputed region as part of Baku. Pashinyan, earlier this week, also said that unidentified forces were planning a coup against him amid widespread protests in Yerevan which have led to the arrest of nearly 100 people. Additionally, he has also accused Russian media of fighting an information war against him. Moscow, which has around 2,000 peacekeepers in the region as well as a military base in Armenia, regards itself as the prime security guarantor. But that might change soon, as Armenia recently hosted a joint army exercise with the United States. Washington has criticised Azerbaijan’s military operation and expressed “deep concern” for ethnic Armenians there and even sent a US congressional delegation to meet with leaders in Armenia to express support. What about Azerbaijan? During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov promised that Baku would ensure equal treatment for ethnic Armenians from the disputed region. “I wish to reiterate that Azerbaijan is determined to reintegrate ethnic Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan as equal citizens,” said Bayramov. It is also worth noting that last week’s Azerbaijani victory may have brought a decisive end to the decades-long conflict. Turkey – a member of the US-led military alliance NATO – has previously expressed support for Baku’s operation to preserve its territorial integrity. Days, after Washington said it sent delegates to Armenia, the Turkish presidency, on Sunday (Sept 24), reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet his counterpart Ilham Aliyev in the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan on Monday. This comes as the two allies have sought to step up efforts to open a land corridor linking Turkey to Azerbaijan’s main territory via Nakhchivan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Mass exodus underway? Karabakh’s 120,000 Armenians to leave amid fears of ‘ethnic cleansing’

Hours after Russia announced that Nagorno-Karabakh separatists started to give up arms, Moscow&nbsp;said that an Azerbaijani soldier was wounded during a violation of a ceasefire, on Saturday (September 23). This comes days after Azerbaijan launched a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/azerbaijani-forces-strike-armenian-controlled-karabakh-risking-a-fresh-war-in-caucasus-region-637698">military operation</a> against the Armenian-controlled breakaway region.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, humanitarian aid began reaching the 120,000 Armenians in the region who said that the world abandoned them while Azerbaijan defeated their forces.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

In a statement, the Russian defence ministry said that an Azerbaijani soldier was “wounded during an exchange of fire” after a “violation of the ceasefire was registered in the &nbsp;Mardakert district”. 
 
Moscow, which has around 2,000 peacekeepers in the region, also said that they are conducting an investigation into the incident with Baku and separatist officials.

The fallout from the violation of the recently agreed-upon ceasefire after multiple rounds of talks between Karabakh Armenians and Azerbaijani officials in the town of Shusha was not immediately known.&nbsp;

On Tuesday (Sept 19), Baku launched a military operation against the separatist Armenians, who have claimed part of Karabakh – which is internationally recognised as Azerbaijani territory – as their ancestral homeland.&nbsp;

The operation which has reportedly led to the deaths of at least 200 people, ended after the Armenians of Karabakh were forced to declare a ceasefire on Wednesday (Sept 20) following a lightning 24-hour military operation by the much larger Azerbaijani military.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars since 1991 – the fall of the Soviet Union – over the disputed territory, with the most recent one being in 2020 which ended after a Russia-brokered ceasefire.&nbsp;

<h2>Rebels begin handing over the arms</h2>

“The armed formations of Karabakh have begun handing over weapons and military equipment under the control of Russian peacekeepers,” Russia had said earlier.&nbsp;

So far, the separatists have handed over six armoured vehicles, more than 800 guns, and about 5,000 units of ammunition, said the Russian defence ministry.&nbsp;

Moscow, on Friday, had also confirmed that the rebels had surrendered their first batch of weapons and the process is expected to continue through the weekend.&nbsp;

Azerbaijani military spokesman Colonel Anar Eyvazov said that they are in “close cooperation” with Russian peacekeepers who are conducting the “demilitarisation” and “giving support to civilians.”&nbsp;

<h2>Humanitarian aid</h2>

Moscow also said that more than 50 tonnes of food and other aid has been delivered by them, while the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it had supplied 28,000 diapers as well as blankets and fuel.

Meanwhile, Baku said it had started sending in urgently needed aid on Friday (Sept 22) as it has sought to cement its grip over the region it lost control over in a war in the 1990s.&nbsp;

ICRC vehicles “have passed through the Lachin Corridor...(with) around 70 metric tonnes of mainly humanitarian supplies and food supplies,” local ICRC spokesman Zara Amatuni told AFP. The Lachin corridor, is the only road link from Armenia to Karabakh.

An ICRC team also carried out the medical evacuation of 17 people wounded during the fighting, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>What about the civilians?</h2>

After Azerbaijan began its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nagorno-karabakh-forces-surrender-to-azerbaijan-after-anti-terror-operations-637881">“anti-terrorist” operation</a> in Nagorno-Karabakh, the future of Karabakh and its ethnic Armenians hangs in the balance as they fear they will be persecuted.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan, who has been wanting to integrate the long-disputed region, said it envisages an amnesty for Karabakh Armenian fighters who give up their arms. The Armenians can leave the region for Yerevan if they want, Baku has said.&nbsp;

The Armenians in the breakaway region have also accused the world of abandoning them. “Today we were thrown out into the street – they made us vagabonds,” Armenui Karapetyan, an Armenian in Karabakh told Armenia A1+.&nbsp;

Karapetyan told the news agency that he is now homeless and in possession of just a few things and a photograph of his 24-year-old son who died in 2020.&nbsp;

“What can I say? We live in an unfair, abandoned world. I have nothing to say. I feel sorry for the blood of our boys. I feel sorry for our lands for which our boys sacrificed their lives, and today...I miss the grave of my son.”

It was also reported that thousands of Karabakh Armenians have massed at the airport and sought the protection of Russian peacekeepers there.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Equal citizens’</h2>

During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, later on, Saturday, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov promised that Baku would ensure equal treatment for ethnic Armenians from the disputed region.&nbsp;

“I wish to reiterate that Azerbaijan is determined to reintegrate ethnic Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan as equal citizens,” said Bayramov. This comes as several nations including the United States and Germany have expressed concerns over the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.&nbsp;

<h2>Armenian PM under pressure</h2>

Since Baku’s operation, Armenian leader Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has faced mounting pressure and criticism. The police have arrested at least 98 people as anti-government protests continued in Yerevan for a third day on Friday (Sept 22).&nbsp;

A US congressional delegation led by Senator Gary Peters (Democrat from Michigan) will meet with Armenian leaders to express support after protests and “discuss US-Armenian relations and the impact of Azerbaijan’s recent military actions on the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh,” said the US embassy. &nbsp;

Notably, the US is home to a large Armenian community that fervently supports Yerevan against its decades-long standoff with Baku over the disputed region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Hours after Russia announced that Nagorno-Karabakh separatists started to give up arms, Moscow said that an Azerbaijani soldier was wounded during a violation of a ceasefire, on Saturday (September 23).

Hours after Russia announced that Nagorno-Karabakh separatists started to give up arms, Moscow said that an Azerbaijani soldier was wounded during a violation of a ceasefire, on Saturday (September 23). This comes days after Azerbaijan launched a military operation against the Armenian-controlled breakaway region. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid began reaching the 120,000 Armenians in the region who said that the world abandoned them while Azerbaijan defeated their forces. What happened? In a statement, the Russian defence ministry said that an Azerbaijani soldier was “wounded during an exchange of fire” after a “violation of the ceasefire was registered in the Mardakert district”. Moscow, which has around 2,000 peacekeepers in the region, also said that they are conducting an investigation into the incident with Baku and separatist officials. The fallout from the violation of the recently agreed-upon ceasefire after multiple rounds of talks between Karabakh Armenians and Azerbaijani officials in the town of Shusha was not immediately known. On Tuesday (Sept 19), Baku launched a military operation against the separatist Armenians, who have claimed part of Karabakh – which is internationally recognised as Azerbaijani territory – as their ancestral homeland. The operation which has reportedly led to the deaths of at least 200 people, ended after the Armenians of Karabakh were forced to declare a ceasefire on Wednesday (Sept 20) following a lightning 24-hour military operation by the much larger Azerbaijani military. Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars since 1991 – the fall of the Soviet Union – over the disputed territory, with the most recent one being in 2020 which ended after a Russia-brokered ceasefire. Rebels begin handing over the arms “The armed formations of Karabakh have begun handing over weapons and military equipment under the control of Russian peacekeepers,” Russia had said earlier. So far, the separatists have handed over six armoured vehicles, more than 800 guns, and about 5,000 units of ammunition, said the Russian defence ministry. Moscow, on Friday, had also confirmed that the rebels had surrendered their first batch of weapons and the process is expected to continue through the weekend. Azerbaijani military spokesman Colonel Anar Eyvazov said that they are in “close cooperation” with Russian peacekeepers who are conducting the “demilitarisation” and “giving support to civilians.” Humanitarian aid Moscow also said that more than 50 tonnes of food and other aid has been delivered by them, while the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it had supplied 28,000 diapers as well as blankets and fuel. Meanwhile, Baku said it had started sending in urgently needed aid on Friday (Sept 22) as it has sought to cement its grip over the region it lost control over in a war in the 1990s. ICRC vehicles “have passed through the Lachin Corridor...(with) around 70 metric tonnes of mainly humanitarian supplies and food supplies,” local ICRC spokesman Zara Amatuni told AFP. The Lachin corridor, is the only road link from Armenia to Karabakh. An ICRC team also carried out the medical evacuation of 17 people wounded during the fighting, reported Reuters. What about the civilians? After Azerbaijan began its “anti-terrorist” operation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the future of Karabakh and its ethnic Armenians hangs in the balance as they fear they will be persecuted. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan, who has been wanting to integrate the long-disputed region, said it envisages an amnesty for Karabakh Armenian fighters who give up their arms. The Armenians can leave the region for Yerevan if they want, Baku has said. The Armenians in the breakaway region have also accused the world of abandoning them. “Today we were thrown out into the street – they made us vagabonds,” Armenui Karapetyan, an Armenian in Karabakh told Armenia A1+. Karapetyan told the news agency that he is now homeless and in possession of just a few things and a photograph of his 24-year-old son who died in 2020. “What can I say? We live in an unfair, abandoned world. I have nothing to say. I feel sorry for the blood of our boys. I feel sorry for our lands for which our boys sacrificed their lives, and today...I miss the grave of my son.” It was also reported that thousands of Karabakh Armenians have massed at the airport and sought the protection of Russian peacekeepers there. ‘Equal citizens’ During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, later on, Saturday, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov promised that Baku would ensure equal treatment for ethnic Armenians from the disputed region. “I wish to reiterate that Azerbaijan is determined to reintegrate ethnic Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan as equal citizens,” said Bayramov. This comes as several nations including the United States and Germany have expressed concerns over the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenian PM under pressure Since Baku’s operation, Armenian leader Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has faced mounting pressure and criticism. The police have arrested at least 98 people as anti-government protests continued in Yerevan for a third day on Friday (Sept 22). A US congressional delegation led by Senator Gary Peters (Democrat from Michigan) will meet with Armenian leaders to express support after protests and “discuss US-Armenian relations and the impact of Azerbaijan’s recent military actions on the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh,” said the US embassy. Notably, the US is home to a large Armenian community that fervently supports Yerevan against its decades-long standoff with Baku over the disputed region. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Azerbaijani soldier wounded in Karabakh ceasefire violation. Here’s what happened

Armenia, Azerbaijan agree to a ceasefire brokered by Russia

Ceasefire has been reached in Nagorno-Karabakh as ethnic-Armenian forces agree to Azerbaijan's demand for disarmament, bringing hope for peace in a region marred by conflict. Learn about the ceasefire terms mediated by Russia and the latest developments in this ongoing crisis.

Gravitas: Russia mediates ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh amid conflict

Azerbaijan, on Tuesday (September 19), launched a military operation against the Armenian-controlled Karabakh region&nbsp;in a bid to bring the breakaway region under its control by force, sparking fears of another war with its neighbouring Armenia in the volatile Caucasus region.&nbsp;

Azerbaijani strikes&nbsp;have reportedly killed dozens and injured hundreds and garnered criticism from the United States, France, Germany and so on. Russia, the traditional power broker in the region, has been accused of being too distracted by its own war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

While Karabakh is internationally recognised as Azerbaijani territory, part of it is run by separatist Armenian authorities who have claimed the area as their ancestral homeland.&nbsp;

<h2>Azerbaijani strikes affect thousands</h2>

According to the separatist officials more than 7,000 people from 16 villages had been evacuated since the strikes began.&nbsp;

“Over 7,000 people have been evacuated from 16 civilian communities of Askeran, Martakert, Martuni, Shushi regions of Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh,” said Gegham Stepanyan, Karabakh’s rights ombudsman, on X.&nbsp;

Media reports citing Karabakh separatist authorities said that at least 25 people had been killed, including two civilians and 138 others had been injured after Baku launched the military strikes. However, these claims could not be independently verified.&nbsp;

Ruben Vardanyan, a top official in Karabakh’s ethnic Armenian administration until February, said, “A really serious situation has unfolded here…Azerbaijan has started a full-scale military operation against 120,000 inhabitants, of which 30,000 are children, pregnant women and old people.”

The officials in Karabakh also claimed that Azerbaijan pounded the territory with artillery, combat aircraft and attack drones and said that their forces were “trying to advance” into the territory.&nbsp;

<h2>Baku about the military operation</h2>

Hikmet Hajiyev, foreign policy adviser to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, said that they have deployed ground forces and broken through Armenian lines in several places. The claim has been denied by Armenian separatists saying that “fighting continues along the entire line of contact.”&nbsp;

Azerbaijan intends to “close a chapter of animosity and confrontation,” said Hajiyev, adding that they no longer tolerate having armed forces on their territory which “on a daily basis, challenges the security and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.”&nbsp;

The Azerbaijani defence ministry also claimed that their forces have seized more than 60 military posts and destroyed up to 20 military vehicles with other hardware.&nbsp;

“Illegal Armenian armed forces” must surrender, said Azerbaijan’s presidency, adding that “Otherwise, the anti-terrorist measures will continue until the end.”&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear if Armenia would intervene or if Baku’s actions would trigger a full-scale conflict dragging in Yerevan.&nbsp;

The two countries have fought two wars since 1991 – the fall of the Soviet Union – over the disputed territory, with the&nbsp;most recent one being in 2020 which ended after a Russia-brokered ceasefire.&nbsp;

<h2>Unrest and calls for coup in Armenia</h2>

Armenia is dealing with unrest as angry protesters clashed with police in Yerevan calling for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resign. More than 30 people were injured in the clashes, with 16 people hospitalised, said the Armenian health ministry.&nbsp;

“We must not allow certain people, certain forces to deal a blow to the Armenian state,” said the Armenian PM, in a televised address. He added, “There are already calls, coming from different places, to stage a coup in Armenia.”&nbsp;

He also accused Azerbaijan of engaging in “ethnic cleansing of Karabakh Armenians” and said that the Armenian army was not involved in the fighting and described the situation at the border between the two countries as “stable”.&nbsp;

<h2>How have countries reacted?</h2>

Azerbaijan’s military strikes have been condemned by the US, European Union, France and Germany asking Baku to return to talks on the future of Karabakh with Armenia. Yerevan has called on members of the UN Security Council to help and Russian peacekeepers on the ground to intervene.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, on Tuesday, said Russia is in touch with both Azerbaijan and Armenia and has urged negotiations, adding that Moscow considered ensuring civilian safety the most important issue.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Turkey said it supported Baku’s drive to preserve its territorial integrity.

<h2>What led to conflict?</h2>

Nagorno-Karabakh, an area controlled by Azerbaijan has a majority ethnic-Armenian population.

During the Soviet days, the was an autonomous region inside the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic.

Though the region didn’t gain much attention due to the absence of international borders, all that changed after Moscow lost control of its peripheral republics, and Nagorno-Karabakh was formally left inside Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized territory.

During the collapse of the USSR from 1988 to 1994, Armenian and Azerbaijani forces fought a gruelling series of battles over the region, with the Armenians taking control of swathes of land and forcing the mass exodus of hundreds of thousands of ethnic Azerbaijanis.

Since then, citing a 1991 referendum — boycotted by Azerbaijanis — the Karabakh-Armenians have unilaterally declared independence and maintained a de facto independent state.

For nearly three decades that situation remained stable, with the two sides locked in a stalemate that was maintained by a line of bunkers, landmines and anti-tank defences, frequently given as an example of one of the world’s few “frozen conflicts.”

However, that all changed in 2020, when Azerbaijan launched a 44-day war to regain territory, conquering hundreds of square kilometres around all sides of Nagorno-Karabakh. That left the ethnic Armenian exclave connected to Armenia proper by a single road, the Lachin Corridor — supposedly under the protection of&nbsp;Russian peacekeepers as part of a Moscow-brokered ceasefire agreement.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Azerbaijan, on Tuesday (September 19), launched a military operation against the Armenian-controlled Karabakh region in a bid to bring the breakaway region under its control by force, sparking fears of another war with its neighbouring Armenia in the volatile Caucasus region.

Azerbaijan, on Tuesday (September 19), launched a military operation against the Armenian-controlled Karabakh region in a bid to bring the breakaway region under its control by force, sparking fears of another war with its neighbouring Armenia in the volatile Caucasus region. Azerbaijani strikes have reportedly killed dozens and injured hundreds and garnered criticism from the United States, France, Germany and so on. Russia, the traditional power broker in the region, has been accused of being too distracted by its own war in Ukraine. While Karabakh is internationally recognised as Azerbaijani territory, part of it is run by separatist Armenian authorities who have claimed the area as their ancestral homeland. Azerbaijani strikes affect thousands According to the separatist officials more than 7,000 people from 16 villages had been evacuated since the strikes began. “Over 7,000 people have been evacuated from 16 civilian communities of Askeran, Martakert, Martuni, Shushi regions of Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh,” said Gegham Stepanyan, Karabakh’s rights ombudsman, on X. Media reports citing Karabakh separatist authorities said that at least 25 people had been killed, including two civilians and 138 others had been injured after Baku launched the military strikes. However, these claims could not be independently verified. Ruben Vardanyan, a top official in Karabakh’s ethnic Armenian administration until February, said, “A really serious situation has unfolded here…Azerbaijan has started a full-scale military operation against 120,000 inhabitants, of which 30,000 are children, pregnant women and old people.” The officials in Karabakh also claimed that Azerbaijan pounded the territory with artillery, combat aircraft and attack drones and said that their forces were “trying to advance” into the territory. Baku about the military operation Hikmet Hajiyev, foreign policy adviser to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, said that they have deployed ground forces and broken through Armenian lines in several places. The claim has been denied by Armenian separatists saying that “fighting continues along the entire line of contact.” Azerbaijan intends to “close a chapter of animosity and confrontation,” said Hajiyev, adding that they no longer tolerate having armed forces on their territory which “on a daily basis, challenges the security and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.” The Azerbaijani defence ministry also claimed that their forces have seized more than 60 military posts and destroyed up to 20 military vehicles with other hardware. “Illegal Armenian armed forces” must surrender, said Azerbaijan’s presidency, adding that “Otherwise, the anti-terrorist measures will continue until the end.” It was not immediately clear if Armenia would intervene or if Baku’s actions would trigger a full-scale conflict dragging in Yerevan. The two countries have fought two wars since 1991 – the fall of the Soviet Union – over the disputed territory, with the most recent one being in 2020 which ended after a Russia-brokered ceasefire. Unrest and calls for coup in Armenia Armenia is dealing with unrest as angry protesters clashed with police in Yerevan calling for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resign. More than 30 people were injured in the clashes, with 16 people hospitalised, said the Armenian health ministry. “We must not allow certain people, certain forces to deal a blow to the Armenian state,” said the Armenian PM, in a televised address. He added, “There are already calls, coming from different places, to stage a coup in Armenia.” He also accused Azerbaijan of engaging in “ethnic cleansing of Karabakh Armenians” and said that the Armenian army was not involved in the fighting and described the situation at the border between the two countries as “stable”. How have countries reacted? Azerbaijan’s military strikes have been condemned by the US, European Union, France and Germany asking Baku to return to talks on the future of Karabakh with Armenia. Yerevan has called on members of the UN Security Council to help and Russian peacekeepers on the ground to intervene. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, on Tuesday, said Russia is in touch with both Azerbaijan and Armenia and has urged negotiations, adding that Moscow considered ensuring civilian safety the most important issue. Meanwhile, Turkey said it supported Baku’s drive to preserve its territorial integrity. What led to conflict? Nagorno-Karabakh, an area controlled by Azerbaijan has a majority ethnic-Armenian population. During the Soviet days, the was an autonomous region inside the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic. Though the region didn’t gain much attention due to the absence of international borders, all that changed after Moscow lost control of its peripheral republics, and Nagorno-Karabakh was formally left inside Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized territory. During the collapse of the USSR from 1988 to 1994, Armenian and Azerbaijani forces fought a gruelling series of battles over the region, with the Armenians taking control of swathes of land and forcing the mass exodus of hundreds of thousands of ethnic Azerbaijanis. Since then, citing a 1991 referendum — boycotted by Azerbaijanis — the Karabakh-Armenians have unilaterally declared independence and maintained a de facto independent state. For nearly three decades that situation remained stable, with the two sides locked in a stalemate that was maintained by a line of bunkers, landmines and anti-tank defences, frequently given as an example of one of the world’s few “frozen conflicts.” However, that all changed in 2020, when Azerbaijan launched a 44-day war to regain territory, conquering hundreds of square kilometres around all sides of Nagorno-Karabakh. That left the ethnic Armenian exclave connected to Armenia proper by a single road, the Lachin Corridor — supposedly under the protection of Russian peacekeepers as part of a Moscow-brokered ceasefire agreement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

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