Deadline of Armenian pullout has been extended by 10 days. Russia has sent more troops to Nagorno-Karabakh. Watch this video to know more.

Deadline of Armenian pullout extended by 10 days, Russia sends more troops

Ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh were seen torching their homes as they prepare to leave for Armenia. These people were setting their own homes to fire as they did not want Azerbaijanis to live there. WION brings you a report.

Azerbaijan to takeover Armenian territories in Nagorno Karabakh

An Armenian opposition leader was arrested on Saturday (local time) under allegations that he was plotting to kill Armenian prime minister. The development has come amid political turmoil in Armenia that started when the prime minister signed a peace deal with Azerbaijan that did not go down too well domestically.

Artur Vanetsyan, the opposition leader was arrested after he was summoned to headquarters of the Armenian security forces. His lawyers, who told AFP of the allegations Vanetsyan faced, refuted them.

Armenia Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has faced violent street protests and&nbsp;displeasure from political parties after he signed a peace deal with Azerbaijan to end the fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Armenia faced heavy losses by technologically superior Azeri troops and Pashinyan agreed to cede large parts of the mostly Christian and ethnically Armenian region to Muslim-majority Azerbaijan in order to bring an end to the hostilities.

Vanetsyan, a former boss of Armenia's security services known for his links to Russia, was also briefly detained last week along with other senior opposition figures during anti-government protests which saw the prime minister called a "traitor".

Armenian security services announced the arrest late on Saturday of another unnamed man "with anti-government views" who was allegedly found in possession of a "large number of weapons."

He was preparing "an assassination attempt against a public figure and the seizure of power" in step with "politicians with anti-government views and their supporters."

(With AFP inputs)

An Armenian opposition leader was arrested on Saturday (local time) under allegations that he was plotting to kill Armenian prime minister. The development has come amid political turmoil in Armenia that started when the prime minister signed a peace deal with Azerbaijan that did not go down too well domestically.

An Armenian opposition leader was arrested on Saturday (local time) under allegations that he was plotting to kill Armenian prime minister. The development has come amid political turmoil in Armenia that started when the prime minister signed a peace deal with Azerbaijan that did not go down too well domestically. Artur Vanetsyan, the opposition leader was arrested after he was summoned to headquarters of the Armenian security forces. His lawyers, who told AFP of the allegations Vanetsyan faced, refuted them. Armenia Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has faced violent street protests and displeasure from political parties after he signed a peace deal with Azerbaijan to end the fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh region. Armenia faced heavy losses by technologically superior Azeri troops and Pashinyan agreed to cede large parts of the mostly Christian and ethnically Armenian region to Muslim-majority Azerbaijan in order to bring an end to the hostilities. Vanetsyan, a former boss of Armenia's security services known for his links to Russia, was also briefly detained last week along with other senior opposition figures during anti-government protests which saw the prime minister called a "traitor". Armenian security services announced the arrest late on Saturday of another unnamed man "with anti-government views" who was allegedly found in possession of a "large number of weapons." He was preparing "an assassination attempt against a public figure and the seizure of power" in step with "politicians with anti-government views and their supporters." (With AFP inputs)

Armenian politician arrested over alleged plot to assassinate PM

Villagers in Kalbajar District outside of Nagorno-Karabakh region set their houses on fire on Saturday. The district is part of the territory previously controlled by Armenian Separatists which will now be handed over to Azerbaijan as a part of the peace agreement.&nbsp;

"This is my house, I can't leave it to the Turks," as Azerbaijanis are often called by Armenians, said one resident as he threw burning wooden planks and rags soaked in gasoline into a completely empty house. He was quoted by AFP.

"Everybody is going to burn down their house today... We were given until midnight to leave," he said.

"We also moved our parents' graves, the Azerbaijanis will take great pleasure in desecrating our graves. It's unbearable," he added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-peacekeepers-enter-nagorno-karabakh-as-kremlin-seeks-un-presence-343168">Russian peacekeepers enter Nagorno-Karabakh as Kremlin seeks UN presence</a>

Armenia and Azerbaijan entered into an armed conflict in late September. The fight lasted for six weeks.

Armenia on Saturday said that 2,317 of it fighters were killed in the clashes, an increase of nearly 1,000 deaths compared to the last confirmed death toll among Armenian fighters.

Azerbaijan has not revealed its military casualties and the real toll after weeks of fighting is expected to be much higher.

(With AFP inputs)

Villagers in Kalbajar District outside of Nagorno-Karabakh region set their houses on fire on Saturday. The district is part of the territory previously controlled by Armenian Separatists which will now be handed over to Azerbaijan as a part of the peace agreement.

Villagers in Kalbajar District outside of Nagorno-Karabakh region set their houses on fire on Saturday. The district is part of the territory previously controlled by Armenian Separatists which will now be handed over to Azerbaijan as a part of the peace agreement. "This is my house, I can't leave it to the Turks," as Azerbaijanis are often called by Armenians, said one resident as he threw burning wooden planks and rags soaked in gasoline into a completely empty house. He was quoted by AFP. "Everybody is going to burn down their house today... We were given until midnight to leave," he said. "We also moved our parents' graves, the Azerbaijanis will take great pleasure in desecrating our graves. It's unbearable," he added. Also Read | Russian peacekeepers enter Nagorno-Karabakh as Kremlin seeks UN presence Armenia and Azerbaijan entered into an armed conflict in late September. The fight lasted for six weeks. Armenia on Saturday said that 2,317 of it fighters were killed in the clashes, an increase of nearly 1,000 deaths compared to the last confirmed death toll among Armenian fighters. Azerbaijan has not revealed its military casualties and the real toll after weeks of fighting is expected to be much higher. (With AFP inputs)

Armenian villagers burn their houses just ahead of Azerbaijan takeover

Residents of Kalbajar district, formerly under the control of Armenian separatists are gathering their belongings and vacating their homes as the date of takeover by Azerbaijan comes closer. Kalbajar District will be handed over to Azerbaijan as part of a Russian-brokered peace agreement that put a stop to weeks of fierce fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Both the countries clashed with each other as hostilities broke out at the end of September over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. This region broke away from Azerbaijan in 1990s. More than 1400 people have died so far in the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Nobody has ordered residents in the region to leave their homes but they fear retaliatory attacks from Azerbaijan once the takeover takes place on Sunday (November 15).

"I cried all night when I heard the news," says 68-year-old Hayastan Yeghiazaryan told AFP. Her 82 year-old husband Zohrab said that they were not even sure where they will go.

"With the help of the children, we'll try to rent a small apartment in Yerevan," he says, referring to the capital of Armenia, which has been rocked by political unrest since the country's leadership agreed to the peace accord that cedes swathes of territory in Karabakh to Azerbaijan.

"We might be able to come back, don't you think?" he says with a hopeful look.

Kalbajar's residents were encouraged to settle in this region of Azerbaijan by separatist leaders who had grabbed control of the area.

(With AFP inputs)

Residents of Kalbajar district, formerly under the control of Armenian separatists are gathering their belongings and vacating their homes as the date of takeover by Azerbaijan comes closer.

Residents of Kalbajar district, formerly under the control of Armenian separatists are gathering their belongings and vacating their homes as the date of takeover by Azerbaijan comes closer. Kalbajar District will be handed over to Azerbaijan as part of a Russian-brokered peace agreement that put a stop to weeks of fierce fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Both the countries clashed with each other as hostilities broke out at the end of September over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. This region broke away from Azerbaijan in 1990s. More than 1400 people have died so far in the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Nobody has ordered residents in the region to leave their homes but they fear retaliatory attacks from Azerbaijan once the takeover takes place on Sunday (November 15). "I cried all night when I heard the news," says 68-year-old Hayastan Yeghiazaryan told AFP. Her 82 year-old husband Zohrab said that they were not even sure where they will go. "With the help of the children, we'll try to rent a small apartment in Yerevan," he says, referring to the capital of Armenia, which has been rocked by political unrest since the country's leadership agreed to the peace accord that cedes swathes of territory in Karabakh to Azerbaijan. "We might be able to come back, don't you think?" he says with a hopeful look. Kalbajar's residents were encouraged to settle in this region of Azerbaijan by separatist leaders who had grabbed control of the area. (With AFP inputs)

Armenians flee homes as takeover by Azerbaijan looms

As the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-must-negotiate-over-nagorno-karabakh-erdogan-tells-putin-341625">Armenia</a>-Azerbaijan peace deal came into force, the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nagorno-karabakh-azerbaijan-claims-capture-of-major-city-armenia-refutes-claim-341688"> Armenian</a> government today arrested at least 10 opposition leaders for their role in anti-government protests as public anger over the Nagorno-Karabakh&nbsp;agreement boiled&nbsp;over into the streets.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/armenians-and-azerbaijanis-live-in-harmony-in-georgian-village-342606/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

PM Nikol Pashinyan had announced the Nagorno-Karabakh&nbsp;peace deal on Tuesday which indicated clear gains of Azerbaijan which was taken up by demonstrators at home. Under the deal, Armenia agreed to cede parts of the disputed region to Azerbaijan as it sparked public anger.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-and-azerbaijan-agree-on-a-deal-with-russia-to-end-conflict-342031">Also Read:&nbsp;Armenia and Azerbaijan agree on a deal with Russia to end conflict</a>

People came out on the streets to demand PM Pashinyan's resignation over the&nbsp;Nagorno-Karabakh agreement in Yerevan even as several opposition leaders were arrested by government forces.

Fighting between Azerbaijan and ver Nagorno-Karabakh had erupted on September 27 as the Minsk group comprising of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-militarys-mi-24-helicopter-shot-down-in-armenia-2-killed-342006">Russia</a>, United States and France intervened to stop the fighting.&nbsp;

Russia was able to broker a peace deal after Armenian and Azerbaijan ministers had met in Russia but both sides opened fire on the ground just hours after the ceasefire agreement.

Both sides engaged in sporadic shelling throughout the month as Russian President Putin&nbsp;seen as a close ally of Azerbaijan sought to broker peace between the two warring sides once again. Azerbaijan is a close ally of Turkey from whom it had bought drones during the conflict with Azerbaijan.

Meanwhile, Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that a Russian delegation will visit Turkey to discuss the creation of a joint centre for monitoring the peace deal.&nbsp;

Russian peacekeepers set out for the region on Wednesday as the country prepared to send military personnel and armoured personnel carriers as part of the peacekeeping mission.

As the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal came into force, the Armenian government today arrested at least 10 opposition leaders for their role in anti-government protests as public anger over the Nagorno-Karabakh agreement boiled over into the streets.

As the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal came into force, the Armenian government today arrested at least 10 opposition leaders for their role in anti-government protests as public anger over the Nagorno-Karabakh agreement boiled over into the streets. Watch: PM Nikol Pashinyan had announced the Nagorno-Karabakh peace deal on Tuesday which indicated clear gains of Azerbaijan which was taken up by demonstrators at home. Under the deal, Armenia agreed to cede parts of the disputed region to Azerbaijan as it sparked public anger. Also Read: Armenia and Azerbaijan agree on a deal with Russia to end conflict People came out on the streets to demand PM Pashinyan's resignation over the Nagorno-Karabakh agreement in Yerevan even as several opposition leaders were arrested by government forces. Fighting between Azerbaijan and ver Nagorno-Karabakh had erupted on September 27 as the Minsk group comprising of Russia, United States and France intervened to stop the fighting. Russia was able to broker a peace deal after Armenian and Azerbaijan ministers had met in Russia but both sides opened fire on the ground just hours after the ceasefire agreement. Both sides engaged in sporadic shelling throughout the month as Russian President Putin seen as a close ally of Azerbaijan sought to broker peace between the two warring sides once again. Azerbaijan is a close ally of Turkey from whom it had bought drones during the conflict with Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that a Russian delegation will visit Turkey to discuss the creation of a joint centre for monitoring the peace deal. Russian peacekeepers set out for the region on Wednesday as the country prepared to send military personnel and armoured personnel carriers as part of the peacekeeping mission.

Armenia arrests opposition leaders as protests erupt over Nagorno-Karabakh deal with Azerbaijan

Tsophi is one of several villages in the Marneuli region of Georgia where ethnic Armenians and Azerbaijanis live and work together. Watch this report to know more.

Armenians and Azerbaijanis live in harmony in Georgian village​

The war between Armenia and Azerbaijan is over, but violence is still on. Armenians have declared a war on their govt after it signed a peace deal with Azerbaijan following 6 weeks of fighting. WION's Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Armenia, Azerbaijan sign a peace deal

Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia said they have signed a deal with to end the military conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region after more than a month of bloodshed.

Azeris celebrate after Nagorno-Karabakh conflict deal signed

After days of fierce clashes in disputed Nagorno Karabakh region, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia have finally signed a deal to end the war.

WION Dispatch: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia sign deal to end fight

Amid peace moves in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the Kremlin said today that there is no agreement on the deployment of Turkish peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/armenia-azerbaijan-russia-sign-deal-to-end-nagorno-karabakh-conflict-342108/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia sign deal to end Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nagorno-karabakh-azerbaijan-claims-capture-of-major-city-armenia-refutes-claim-341688">Also Read:&nbsp;Azerbaijan claims capture of major city, Armenia refutes claim</a>

Russia is set to dispatch nearly 2,000 peacekeepers as Russia brokered an agreement between the two warring countries set to come into effect at 1:00 am local time (2100 GMT).

However, there were protests in Armenia as people demonstrated against the reported loss of terrority to Azerbaijan.

Earlier, Azerbaijani President Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Putin had announced a ceasefire as reports indicated that Azerbaijan had gained territories.

Azerbaijan is set to retain control over areas gained during the fighting, including the key town of Shusha.

Russia informed that peacekeepers were on their way including military personnel and armoured personnel carriers.

After the ceasefire was announced, Armenia had said that combat operation was suspended.

Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry said that the military death toll had climbed to 1,302 as Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a new agreement after over a month of fighting since agreeing to a ceasefire in Moscow earlier.

Amid peace moves in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the Kremlin said today that there is no agreement on the deployment of Turkish peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Amid peace moves in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the Kremlin said today that there is no agreement on the deployment of Turkish peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh. Watch: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia sign deal to end Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Also Read: Azerbaijan claims capture of major city, Armenia refutes claim Russia is set to dispatch nearly 2,000 peacekeepers as Russia brokered an agreement between the two warring countries set to come into effect at 1:00 am local time (2100 GMT). However, there were protests in Armenia as people demonstrated against the reported loss of terrority to Azerbaijan. Earlier, Azerbaijani President Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Putin had announced a ceasefire as reports indicated that Azerbaijan had gained territories. Azerbaijan is set to retain control over areas gained during the fighting, including the key town of Shusha. Russia informed that peacekeepers were on their way including military personnel and armoured personnel carriers. After the ceasefire was announced, Armenia had said that combat operation was suspended. Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry said that the military death toll had climbed to 1,302 as Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a new agreement after over a month of fighting since agreeing to a ceasefire in Moscow earlier.

No agreement on deployment of Turkish peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh: Russia

Azeris celebrated on the streets of Baku after President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday his country`s forces had taken Shusha, the second-largest city in the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, but Armenian officials denied the city had been captured.

Azerbaijan claims capture of Karabakh's second-largest city Shusha, Armenia denies

Hundreds of Baku residents took to the streets on Sunday after President Ilham Aliyev said that, the Azeri forces have taken control over Shusha which is the second largest city in the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave.

Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict: Azeri President claims gain over Shusha

Azeris celebrated in country's capital Baku after Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday that Azeri forces had captured second-largest city in Nagorno-Karabakh. The claim has been denied by Armenian officials.

"(This day) will become a great day in the history of Azerbaijan," Aliyev said after ge announced capture of the city of Shusha, also called Sushi by Armenia.

The city is of cultural and strategic importance to both countries and is located 15 km south of Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh's largest city.

At least 1000 people have died in fighting that has gone on for nearly six weeks in and around Nagorno-Karabakh.

Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but has ethnic Armenian population.

In Baku, Azeris gathered in large numbers to celebrate, waving flags and chanting slogans, while drivers sounded their car horns.

Officials from the Nagorno-Karabakh region and Armenia`s Defence Ministry denied Aliyev`s statement. 
"Shushi remains an unattainable pipe dream for Azerbaijan. Despite heavy destruction, the fortress city withstands the blows of the enemy," the Nagorno-Karabakh Rescue Service said.

Armenia`s defence ministry said that heavy fighting for the strategic site continues, while the Defence Army of Nagorno-Karabakh said they had repelled multiple attempts by the Azeri side to advance on the town.

Emboldened by Turkish support, Azerbaijan has the upper hand in the bloodiest fighting in more than 25 years in the South Caucasus. In just over a month, it has retaken much of the land in and around Nagorno-Karabakh that it lost in a previous war over the territory in the 1990s.

The city could serve as a key staging post for an Azeri assault on the enclave`s largest city, Stepanakert. Both have come under heavy shelling in recent days. Azerbaijan`s defence ministry said allegations that it had shelled civilian areas were `misinformation`.

The town is also culturally significant to both sides, Thomas de Waal, analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said.

Its population was predominantly made up of Azeris before the previous conflict, making it historically significant for Azerbaijan. For Armenians, it is the site of Karabakh`s cathedral, de Waal said.

(With Reuters inputs)

Azeris celebrated in country's capital Baku after Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday that Azeri forces had captured second-largest city in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azeris celebrated in country's capital Baku after Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday that Azeri forces had captured second-largest city in Nagorno-Karabakh. The claim has been denied by Armenian officials. "(This day) will become a great day in the history of Azerbaijan," Aliyev said after ge announced capture of the city of Shusha, also called Sushi by Armenia. The city is of cultural and strategic importance to both countries and is located 15 km south of Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh's largest city. At least 1000 people have died in fighting that has gone on for nearly six weeks in and around Nagorno-Karabakh. Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but has ethnic Armenian population. In Baku, Azeris gathered in large numbers to celebrate, waving flags and chanting slogans, while drivers sounded their car horns. Officials from the Nagorno-Karabakh region and Armenia`s Defence Ministry denied Aliyev`s statement. "Shushi remains an unattainable pipe dream for Azerbaijan. Despite heavy destruction, the fortress city withstands the blows of the enemy," the Nagorno-Karabakh Rescue Service said. Armenia`s defence ministry said that heavy fighting for the strategic site continues, while the Defence Army of Nagorno-Karabakh said they had repelled multiple attempts by the Azeri side to advance on the town. Emboldened by Turkish support, Azerbaijan has the upper hand in the bloodiest fighting in more than 25 years in the South Caucasus. In just over a month, it has retaken much of the land in and around Nagorno-Karabakh that it lost in a previous war over the territory in the 1990s. The city could serve as a key staging post for an Azeri assault on the enclave`s largest city, Stepanakert. Both have come under heavy shelling in recent days. Azerbaijan`s defence ministry said allegations that it had shelled civilian areas were `misinformation`. The town is also culturally significant to both sides, Thomas de Waal, analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said. Its population was predominantly made up of Azeris before the previous conflict, making it historically significant for Azerbaijan. For Armenians, it is the site of Karabakh`s cathedral, de Waal said. (With Reuters inputs)

Nagorno-Karabakh: Azerbaijan claims capture of major city, Armenia refutes claim

Armenia reported heavy shelling in Stepanakert by Azerbaijani forces as the fighting over disputed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/i-hope-nagorno-karabakh-conflict-doesnt-go-the-syrian-way-says-ex-indian-ambassador-to-armenia-338818">Nagorno-Karabakh</a> region continues.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-fresh-ceasefire-commitment-from-karabakh-warring-sides-russia-aids-armenia-339144">Also Read:&nbsp;No fresh ceasefire commitment from Karabakh warring sides; Russia aids Armenia</a>

The Armenian defence ministry said "intensive and fierce combat" was reported overnight outside Shusha where an Armenian cathedral was destroyed last month. Reports indicated that several houses were on fire after the bombardment.

However, Azerbaijan dismissed the claim calling it &nbsp;"completely untrue" and "misinformation" even as reports said buildings and public infrastructure in Stepanakert were targeted.

Although both sides had reached a ceasefire agreement in Moscow last month however fighting started almost immediately with both sides opening fire.

The Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry has said at least 1,170 troops have been killed so far with 1,000 civilians reportedly dead.

France, Russia and the United States comprising the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-backed-ceasefire-appears-to-fail-as-azerbaijan-accuses-armenia-of-missile-attack-338373">Minsk group</a> had earlier tried to broker peace between the two warring sides, however, the uncertain peace lasted just a few hours.

Armenian PM Pashinyan has appealed to ally Russia for military support, while Azerbaijan has Turkey's backing.

At least 30,000 people have died since hostilities started between the two countries in the mid-1990s after the breakup of the former Soviet Union.

Armenia reported heavy shelling in Stepanakert by Azerbaijani forces as the fighting over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region continues. Also Read: No fresh ceasefire commitment from Karabakh warring sides; Russia aids Armenia The Armenian defence ministry said "intensive and fierce combat" was reported overnight outside Shusha where an Armenian cathedral was destroyed last month.

Armenia reported heavy shelling in Stepanakert by Azerbaijani forces as the fighting over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region continues. Also Read: No fresh ceasefire commitment from Karabakh warring sides; Russia aids Armenia The Armenian defence ministry said "intensive and fierce combat" was reported overnight outside Shusha where an Armenian cathedral was destroyed last month. Reports indicated that several houses were on fire after the bombardment. However, Azerbaijan dismissed the claim calling it "completely untrue" and "misinformation" even as reports said buildings and public infrastructure in Stepanakert were targeted. Although both sides had reached a ceasefire agreement in Moscow last month however fighting started almost immediately with both sides opening fire. The Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry has said at least 1,170 troops have been killed so far with 1,000 civilians reportedly dead. France, Russia and the United States comprising the Minsk group had earlier tried to broker peace between the two warring sides, however, the uncertain peace lasted just a few hours. Armenian PM Pashinyan has appealed to ally Russia for military support, while Azerbaijan has Turkey's backing. At least 30,000 people have died since hostilities started between the two countries in the mid-1990s after the breakup of the former Soviet Union.

Azerbaijan, Armenia engage in heavy fighting near key town in Karabakh

Nagorno-Karabakh's largest city faced heavy shelling on Thursday, as Reporters Without Borders -- a nonprofit group -- called for the safe evacuation of civilians who it says are trapped in Stepanakert.

Reporters Without Borders called on the United Nations, the Council of Europe and Azerbaijan "to do everything possible" to allow an evacuation of civilians, including 80 local and foreign journalists.

The city was under shelling before turning off the handset to avoid the risk of detection.

Some reporters had left the city via a northern route because the main road to the Armenian capital, Yerevan, via the strategic region of Lachin was also under fire.

The ethnic Armenian-controlled Nagorno-Karabakh Emergency and Rescue Service said on Thursday that Stepanakert - called Khankendi by Azerbaijan - was being shelled by Azeri forces.

It said heavy artillery had also been used in the town of Martuni, known by Azerbaijan as Khojavend, while Shushi, or Shusha - the enclave's second-largest city - had been damaged by shelling.

Azerbaijan's defence ministry denied these accusations. It said the city of Terter and a nearby village, as well as villages in the Aghdam region in the east of the conflict zone, had been shelled. Ethnic Armenian forces denied this.

Azerbaijan's defence ministry also said combat operations continued "with varying intensity" around Aghdere - Martakert, in Armenian - and Khojavend.

The worst fighting in the South Caucasus for more than 25 years has underlined the influence of Turkey, an ally of Azerbaijan, in a region once part of the Soviet Union and long dominated by Moscow, which has a defence pact with Armenia.

Three ceasefires have failed to hold while attacks by both sides resumed within hours of an agreement by the warring sides last Friday to avoid targeting civilians.

The ethnic Armenian-controlled Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry says 1,177 of its troops have been killed since Sept. 27. Azerbaijan does not disclose its military casualties, while Russia has estimated 5,000 deaths on both sides.

Nagorno-Karabakh's largest city faced heavy shelling on Thursday, as Reporters Without Borders -- a nonprofit group -- called for the safe evacuation of civilians who it says are trapped in Stepanakert.

Nagorno-Karabakh's largest city faced heavy shelling on Thursday, as Reporters Without Borders -- a nonprofit group -- called for the safe evacuation of civilians who it says are trapped in Stepanakert. Reporters Without Borders called on the United Nations, the Council of Europe and Azerbaijan "to do everything possible" to allow an evacuation of civilians, including 80 local and foreign journalists. The city was under shelling before turning off the handset to avoid the risk of detection. Some reporters had left the city via a northern route because the main road to the Armenian capital, Yerevan, via the strategic region of Lachin was also under fire. The ethnic Armenian-controlled Nagorno-Karabakh Emergency and Rescue Service said on Thursday that Stepanakert - called Khankendi by Azerbaijan - was being shelled by Azeri forces. It said heavy artillery had also been used in the town of Martuni, known by Azerbaijan as Khojavend, while Shushi, or Shusha - the enclave's second-largest city - had been damaged by shelling. Azerbaijan's defence ministry denied these accusations. It said the city of Terter and a nearby village, as well as villages in the Aghdam region in the east of the conflict zone, had been shelled. Ethnic Armenian forces denied this. Azerbaijan's defence ministry also said combat operations continued "with varying intensity" around Aghdere - Martakert, in Armenian - and Khojavend. The worst fighting in the South Caucasus for more than 25 years has underlined the influence of Turkey, an ally of Azerbaijan, in a region once part of the Soviet Union and long dominated by Moscow, which has a defence pact with Armenia. Three ceasefires have failed to hold while attacks by both sides resumed within hours of an agreement by the warring sides last Friday to avoid targeting civilians. The ethnic Armenian-controlled Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry says 1,177 of its troops have been killed since Sept. 27. Azerbaijan does not disclose its military casualties, while Russia has estimated 5,000 deaths on both sides.

Heavy shelling hits Nagorno-Karabakh's largest city, no signs of truce

Russia said on Saturday it would provide "necessary" assistance to Yerevan in its conflict with Azerbaijan over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh if fighting reached Armenia's territory.

"Russia will render Yerevan all necessary assistance if clashes take place directly on the territory of Armenia," the foreign ministry in Moscow said, calling on the warring sides to immediately halt fire.&nbsp;

Earlier Saturday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to begin "urgent" consultations on security assistance.

Armenia and Azerbaijan had failed to reach agreement on a fresh ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict during talks in Geneva Friday. They, however, vowed to now target civilians.

Both sides, the statement said, had "engaged in an open and substantive exchange of views aimed at clarifying their negotiating positions" on sticking points in the ceasefire agreement reached in Moscow on October 10.

That and two subsequent ceasefire agreements -- the most recent one negotiated in Washington less than a week ago -- have failed to halt the bloodshed.

On Saturday,&nbsp;Pasninyan sent the letter to Putin after Armenia and Azerbaijan failed to agree a fresh ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict during talks in Geneva on Friday and as fighting continued overnight and Saturday morning.

Russia has a military base in Armenia and has a defence treaty with Yerevan.

The announcement, released by the Armenian foreign ministry,&nbsp;raised fears of an escalation in fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Some observers are concerned it risks sucking Yerevan's ally Russia and Turkey, which backs Baku, into the conflict.

Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov sat down for face-to-face talks on Friday aimed at reining in more than a month of clashes in the disputed region that have killed more than a thousand people. &nbsp;

Mediators from France, Russia and the US -- known as the "Minsk Group" -- said in a statement they had urged the sides to fully implement a previously agreed ceasefire.

While Friday's statement made no mention of fresh ceasefire commitments, it said the sides had "agreed to take a number of steps on an urgent basis."

They had committed to "not deliberately target civilian populations or non-military objects in accordance with international humanitarian law." They had also agreed to "actively engage in the implementation of the recovery and exchange of remains on the battlefield."

Also, they committed to provide written comments and questions related to discussions around introducing mechanisms to verify if a ceasefire was being upheld -- viewed as a key priority in the talks.

"The co-chairs will continue working with the sides intensively to find a peaceful settlement of the conflict," Friday's statement said.

Azerbaijan and Armenia have been locked in a bitter conflict over Karabakh since Armenian separatists backed by Yerevan seized control of the mountainous province in a 1990s war that left 30,000 people dead.

Karabakh's self-declared independence has not been recognised internationally, even by Armenia, and it remains a part of Azerbaijan under international law.

The current clashes broke out on September 27 and fighting has persisted despite the repeated international attempts to secure a ceasefire.

Fighting has intensified in recent days, including with renewed shelling and rocket attacks on civilian areas.

More than 1,200 people from both sides have been reported dead since the fighting began, and thousands forced from their homes.

Azerbaijan has not released military casualty figures and the death toll is believed to be higher, with Russian President Vladimir Putin saying last week close to 5,000 people had been killed.

(with inputs from agencies)

Russia said on Saturday it would provide "necessary" assistance to Yerevan in its conflict with Azerbaijan over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh if fighting reached Armenia's territory.

Russia said on Saturday it would provide "necessary" assistance to Yerevan in its conflict with Azerbaijan over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh if fighting reached Armenia's territory. "Russia will render Yerevan all necessary assistance if clashes take place directly on the territory of Armenia," the foreign ministry in Moscow said, calling on the warring sides to immediately halt fire. Earlier Saturday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to begin "urgent" consultations on security assistance. Armenia and Azerbaijan had failed to reach agreement on a fresh ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict during talks in Geneva Friday. They, however, vowed to now target civilians. Both sides, the statement said, had "engaged in an open and substantive exchange of views aimed at clarifying their negotiating positions" on sticking points in the ceasefire agreement reached in Moscow on October 10. That and two subsequent ceasefire agreements -- the most recent one negotiated in Washington less than a week ago -- have failed to halt the bloodshed. On Saturday, Pasninyan sent the letter to Putin after Armenia and Azerbaijan failed to agree a fresh ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict during talks in Geneva on Friday and as fighting continued overnight and Saturday morning. Russia has a military base in Armenia and has a defence treaty with Yerevan. The announcement, released by the Armenian foreign ministry, raised fears of an escalation in fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Some observers are concerned it risks sucking Yerevan's ally Russia and Turkey, which backs Baku, into the conflict. Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov sat down for face-to-face talks on Friday aimed at reining in more than a month of clashes in the disputed region that have killed more than a thousand people. Mediators from France, Russia and the US -- known as the "Minsk Group" -- said in a statement they had urged the sides to fully implement a previously agreed ceasefire. While Friday's statement made no mention of fresh ceasefire commitments, it said the sides had "agreed to take a number of steps on an urgent basis." They had committed to "not deliberately target civilian populations or non-military objects in accordance with international humanitarian law." They had also agreed to "actively engage in the implementation of the recovery and exchange of remains on the battlefield." Also, they committed to provide written comments and questions related to discussions around introducing mechanisms to verify if a ceasefire was being upheld -- viewed as a key priority in the talks. "The co-chairs will continue working with the sides intensively to find a peaceful settlement of the conflict," Friday's statement said. Azerbaijan and Armenia have been locked in a bitter conflict over Karabakh since Armenian separatists backed by Yerevan seized control of the mountainous province in a 1990s war that left 30,000 people dead. Karabakh's self-declared independence has not been recognised internationally, even by Armenia, and it remains a part of Azerbaijan under international law. The current clashes broke out on September 27 and fighting has persisted despite the repeated international attempts to secure a ceasefire. Fighting has intensified in recent days, including with renewed shelling and rocket attacks on civilian areas. More than 1,200 people from both sides have been reported dead since the fighting began, and thousands forced from their homes. Azerbaijan has not released military casualty figures and the death toll is believed to be higher, with Russian President Vladimir Putin saying last week close to 5,000 people had been killed. (with inputs from agencies)

No fresh ceasefire commitment from Karabakh warring sides; Russia aids Armenia

Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that there will be no bilateral talks or meetings between Armenia & Azerbaijan during the Geneva talks on (Friday) October 30, 2020.

Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict: No bilateral talks between diplomats during Geneva

Azerbaijan and Armenia accused each other of killing civilians by shelling cities in and around Nagorno-Karabakh on Wednesday (October 28), in an escalation of a month-long conflict over the mountain enclave that has defied three ceasefires.

Azerbaijan says 21 killed by Armenian shelling of Barda

Azerbaijan on Tuesday accused Armenia of carrying out a missile attack on its town of Barda near the frontline with Nagorno-Karabakh that killed four people.

Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev said on Twitter that a toddler was among the dead and that 10 people were wounded, accusing Armenia of an "indiscriminate and targetted attack against civilians".

The attack and subsequent accusation&nbsp;came even as United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia to abide by a US-brokered ceasefire that appeared to fail.

In separate phone calls with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Pompeo "pressed the leaders to abide by their commitments to cease hostilities and pursue a diplomatic solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," the US State Department said.

Pompeo's deputy, Stephen Biegun, met separately in Washington over the weekend with the two nations' foreign ministers who agreed to a third ceasefire to halt a month of fighting that has left hundreds dead.

But less than an hour after the humanitarian truce was due to begin at 8:00 am (0400 GMT) on Monday, the two countries accused each other of violations.

The former Soviet republics have been locked in a bitter conflict since the 1990s after Armenian separatists backed by Yerevan seized control over the mountainous province of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan, an ally of Turkey, has been trying since to recapture Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway region populated and ruled by ethnic Armenians. The worst fighting in decades in the area has killed hundreds of people and risks sucking Turkey and Russia into a regional conflict.

Armenia acknowledged on Tuesday that Nagorno-Karabakh forces had withdrawn from a strategic town between the enclave and the Iranian border.

Armenian defence ministry official Artsrun Hovhannisyan said in a news conference late on Monday that ethnic Armenian forces had given up the settlement of Gubadli south of the enclave "to avoid unnecessary losses", but the situation was "not critical".

Localised battles were taking place along several parts of the front line on Tuesday morning, the Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

Azerbaijan's defence ministry said in a statement that its military positions and settlements near the front line had been fired upon and that combat continued mainly in the Khojavend, Fizuli and Gubadli regions.

The OSCE Minsk Group, formed to mediate the conflict and led by France, Russia and the United States, is scheduled to meet the Armenian and Azeri foreign ministers in Geneva on October 29. Turkey has demanded a bigger role in the mediating body.

(with inputs from agencies)

Azerbaijan on Tuesday accused Armenia of carrying out a missile attack on its town of Barda near the frontline with Nagorno-Karabakh that killed four people. Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev said on Twitter that a toddler was among the dead and that 10 people were wounded, accusing Armenia of an "indiscriminate and targetted attack against civilians".

Azerbaijan on Tuesday accused Armenia of carrying out a missile attack on its town of Barda near the frontline with Nagorno-Karabakh that killed four people. Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev said on Twitter that a toddler was among the dead and that 10 people were wounded, accusing Armenia of an "indiscriminate and targetted attack against civilians". The attack and subsequent accusation came even as United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia to abide by a US-brokered ceasefire that appeared to fail. In separate phone calls with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Pompeo "pressed the leaders to abide by their commitments to cease hostilities and pursue a diplomatic solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," the US State Department said. Pompeo's deputy, Stephen Biegun, met separately in Washington over the weekend with the two nations' foreign ministers who agreed to a third ceasefire to halt a month of fighting that has left hundreds dead. But less than an hour after the humanitarian truce was due to begin at 8:00 am (0400 GMT) on Monday, the two countries accused each other of violations. The former Soviet republics have been locked in a bitter conflict since the 1990s after Armenian separatists backed by Yerevan seized control over the mountainous province of Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan, an ally of Turkey, has been trying since to recapture Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway region populated and ruled by ethnic Armenians. The worst fighting in decades in the area has killed hundreds of people and risks sucking Turkey and Russia into a regional conflict. Armenia acknowledged on Tuesday that Nagorno-Karabakh forces had withdrawn from a strategic town between the enclave and the Iranian border. Armenian defence ministry official Artsrun Hovhannisyan said in a news conference late on Monday that ethnic Armenian forces had given up the settlement of Gubadli south of the enclave "to avoid unnecessary losses", but the situation was "not critical". Localised battles were taking place along several parts of the front line on Tuesday morning, the Nagorno-Karabakh defence ministry said in a statement. Azerbaijan's defence ministry said in a statement that its military positions and settlements near the front line had been fired upon and that combat continued mainly in the Khojavend, Fizuli and Gubadli regions. The OSCE Minsk Group, formed to mediate the conflict and led by France, Russia and the United States, is scheduled to meet the Armenian and Azeri foreign ministers in Geneva on October 29. Turkey has demanded a bigger role in the mediating body. (with inputs from agencies)

US-backed ceasefire appears to fail as Azerbaijan accuses Armenia of missile attack

Spending long hours huddled together in dark damp basements, the few residents left in the war-hit city Stepanakert, capital of the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region, are sheltering from the bombing but its proving ripe ground for the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Karabakh residents caught between conflict and COVID-19 pandemic

The United States announced on Sunday that Armenia and Azerbaijan have given their consent to a "humanitarian ceasefire" over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region that will take effect on Monday. &nbsp;

"Congratulations to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who just agreed to adhere to a cease fire effective at midnight. Many lives will be saved," US President Donald Trump said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who just agreed to adhere to a cease fire effective at midnight. Many lives will be saved. Proud of my team <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> &amp; Steve Biegun &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/WHNSC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHNSC</a> for getting the deal done!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1320481440560132097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The latest ceasefire brokered by the US came after similar agreements negotiated by France and Russia to stop the fighting that has killed thousands.&nbsp;

It will take effect at 8 am local time (12 am EDT) on Oct. 26, said a joint statement by the US State Department and the governments of Azerbaijan and Armenia.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-azerbaijan-continue-to-clash-over-nagorno-karabakh-despite-us-talks-337833">Armenia, Azerbaijan continue to clash over Nagorno-Karabakh despite US talks</a>

Elin Suleymanov, Azerbaijan Ambassador to the US welcomed the ceasefire in a statement that also blamed Armenia for "provocations".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-community-including-india-should-recognise-karabakhs-existential-threat-armenian-pm-to-wion-337725">International community, including India, should recognise Karabakh's existential threat: Armenian PM to WION</a>

"We urge Armenia to observe the ceasefire and stop its military provocations as agreed. Azerbaijan is strongly committed to achieving peace and the high number of Azerbaijani civilian deaths in recent weeks shows who is the aggressor," she said.

Armenia and Azerbaijan's decades-long conflict is over Karabakh since the 1990s when Armenian separatists captured the mountainous region in a war that killed about 30,000 people.&nbsp;

Karabakh's self-declared independence has not been recognised globally, which includes Armenia, and it remains a part of Azerbaijan according to international law.

The prevailing fighting broke out on September 27 between the neighbouring nations who accuse each other of having targeted the civilians and violating the previous truces.

The United States announced on Sunday that Armenia and Azerbaijan have given their consent to a "humanitarian ceasefire" over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region that will take effect on Monday.

The United States announced on Sunday that Armenia and Azerbaijan have given their consent to a "humanitarian ceasefire" over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region that will take effect on Monday. "Congratulations to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who just agreed to adhere to a cease fire effective at midnight. Many lives will be saved," US President Donald Trump said on Twitter. Congratulations to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who just agreed to adhere to a cease fire effective at midnight. Many lives will be saved. Proud of my team @SecPompeo & Steve Biegun & @WHNSC for getting the deal done! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 25, 2020 × The latest ceasefire brokered by the US came after similar agreements negotiated by France and Russia to stop the fighting that has killed thousands. It will take effect at 8 am local time (12 am EDT) on Oct. 26, said a joint statement by the US State Department and the governments of Azerbaijan and Armenia. Also read | Armenia, Azerbaijan continue to clash over Nagorno-Karabakh despite US talks Elin Suleymanov, Azerbaijan Ambassador to the US welcomed the ceasefire in a statement that also blamed Armenia for "provocations". Also read | International community, including India, should recognise Karabakh's existential threat: Armenian PM to WION "We urge Armenia to observe the ceasefire and stop its military provocations as agreed. Azerbaijan is strongly committed to achieving peace and the high number of Azerbaijani civilian deaths in recent weeks shows who is the aggressor," she said. Armenia and Azerbaijan's decades-long conflict is over Karabakh since the 1990s when Armenian separatists captured the mountainous region in a war that killed about 30,000 people. Karabakh's self-declared independence has not been recognised globally, which includes Armenia, and it remains a part of Azerbaijan according to international law. The prevailing fighting broke out on September 27 between the neighbouring nations who accuse each other of having targeted the civilians and violating the previous truces.

US announces new ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Armenia and Azerbaijan Monday accused each other of violating a new US-brokered ceasefire in fighting over the mountain enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The ceasefire violation and shifting of the blame denoted the failure of another prospect of an international push to end a month of clashes between the two countries.

The latest fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous part of Azerbaijan populated and controlled by ethnic Armenians, erupted on September 27 and is the worst in the South Caucasus since the 1990s. Hundreds have been killed and two Russian-brokered ceasefires have failed to hold.

World powers want to prevent a wider war that might draw in Turkey, which has voiced strong support for Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a defence pact with Armenia. The conflict has also strained relations between Ankara and its NATO allies.

A third ceasefire since October 10 was agreed on Sunday after separate talks in Washington between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Within minutes of its coming into force at 8 am local time (0400 GMT), Azerbaijan's defence ministry said in a statement that Armenian forces had shelled villages in the Terter and Lachin regions, located at opposite ends of the conflict zone.

Authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh denied this: the defence ministry said Azeri forces fired missiles on Armenian positions on the northeastern side on the line of contact and the foreign ministry said Azeri warplanes had violated the ceasefire.

Armenia's defence ministry said in a statement that the Azeri side violated the truce at around 9.10 am local time.

Pompeo has since left Washington, landing on Monday in India on the first leg of a five-day Asian trip.

Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said in a televised address that he wanted to resolve the conflict "by political and military means" and reiterated a demand that ethnic Armenian forces must agree to leave the region for fighting to stop.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote earlier on his Facebook page that the Armenian side "continued to adhere to the ceasefire."

Armenians regard Nagorno-Karabakh as part of their historic homeland; Azeris consider it illegally occupied land that must be returned to their control. About 30,000 people were killed in a 1991-94 war over the enclave.

(with inputs)

Armenia and Azerbaijan Monday accused each other of violating a new US-brokered ceasefire in fighting over the mountain enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. The ceasefire violation and shifting of the blame denoted the failure of another prospect of an international push to end a month of clashes between the two countries.

Armenia and Azerbaijan Monday accused each other of violating a new US-brokered ceasefire in fighting over the mountain enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. The ceasefire violation and shifting of the blame denoted the failure of another prospect of an international push to end a month of clashes between the two countries. The latest fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous part of Azerbaijan populated and controlled by ethnic Armenians, erupted on September 27 and is the worst in the South Caucasus since the 1990s. Hundreds have been killed and two Russian-brokered ceasefires have failed to hold. World powers want to prevent a wider war that might draw in Turkey, which has voiced strong support for Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a defence pact with Armenia. The conflict has also strained relations between Ankara and its NATO allies. A third ceasefire since October 10 was agreed on Sunday after separate talks in Washington between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Within minutes of its coming into force at 8 am local time (0400 GMT), Azerbaijan's defence ministry said in a statement that Armenian forces had shelled villages in the Terter and Lachin regions, located at opposite ends of the conflict zone. Authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh denied this: the defence ministry said Azeri forces fired missiles on Armenian positions on the northeastern side on the line of contact and the foreign ministry said Azeri warplanes had violated the ceasefire. Armenia's defence ministry said in a statement that the Azeri side violated the truce at around 9.10 am local time. Pompeo has since left Washington, landing on Monday in India on the first leg of a five-day Asian trip. Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said in a televised address that he wanted to resolve the conflict "by political and military means" and reiterated a demand that ethnic Armenian forces must agree to leave the region for fighting to stop. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote earlier on his Facebook page that the Armenian side "continued to adhere to the ceasefire." Armenians regard Nagorno-Karabakh as part of their historic homeland; Azeris consider it illegally occupied land that must be returned to their control. About 30,000 people were killed in a 1991-94 war over the enclave. (with inputs)

Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire broken again hours after US-backed truce

The US has now stepped up diplomatic efforts to try to end the ongoing Karabakh conflict between the two nations. Watch report.

US-brokered ceasefire broken | Two sides accuse each other of breaking ceasefire | Armenia-Azerbaijan

Fresh clashes erupted between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces on Sunday over the mountainous enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh as both sides continued to blame each other for violating the ceasefire.

The clashes came even as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hosted the foreign ministers of both countries in a new peace push on Friday.

While Armenia accused Azeri forces of shelling civilian settlements, Baku denied killing civilians.

Azerbaijan said it was ready to implement a ceasefire, provided that Armenian forces withdrew from the battlefield.

The collapse of two Russia-brokered ceasefires had already dimmed the prospect of a quick end to fighting that broke out on September 27 over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Local officials in Nagorno-Karabakh accused Azeri forces of firing artillery on settlements in the areas of Askeran and Martuni during the night. Azerbaijan said its positions had been attacked with small arms, mortars, tanks, mortars, and howitzers.

Armenian President Armen Sarkissian accused Baku of being "aggressively stubborn and destructive".

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in an exclusive conversation with WION on Saturday, said Turkey was directly involved in the war as it was sending mercenaries and armed men to help Azerbaijan. He also said they had information that Pakistan was also sending armed terrorists to help Azeri cause.

World powers want to prevent a wider war that draws in Turkey, which has voiced strong support for Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a defence pact with Armenia.

Differences over the conflict have further strained relations between Ankara and its NATO allies, with Pompeo accusing Turkey of fuelling the conflict by arming the Azeri side. Ankara denies it has inflamed the conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he hoped that the United States would help Moscow broker a solution to the conflict.

About 30,000 people were killed in a 1991-94 war over Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenians regard the enclave as part of their historic homeland; Azeris consider it illegally occupied land that must be returned to their control.

(with inputs)

Fresh clashes erupted between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces on Sunday over the mountainous enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh as both sides continued to blame each other for violating the ceasefire.

Fresh clashes erupted between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces on Sunday over the mountainous enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh as both sides continued to blame each other for violating the ceasefire. The clashes came even as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hosted the foreign ministers of both countries in a new peace push on Friday. While Armenia accused Azeri forces of shelling civilian settlements, Baku denied killing civilians. Azerbaijan said it was ready to implement a ceasefire, provided that Armenian forces withdrew from the battlefield. The collapse of two Russia-brokered ceasefires had already dimmed the prospect of a quick end to fighting that broke out on September 27 over Nagorno-Karabakh. Local officials in Nagorno-Karabakh accused Azeri forces of firing artillery on settlements in the areas of Askeran and Martuni during the night. Azerbaijan said its positions had been attacked with small arms, mortars, tanks, mortars, and howitzers. Armenian President Armen Sarkissian accused Baku of being "aggressively stubborn and destructive". Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in an exclusive conversation with WION on Saturday, said Turkey was directly involved in the war as it was sending mercenaries and armed men to help Azerbaijan. He also said they had information that Pakistan was also sending armed terrorists to help Azeri cause. World powers want to prevent a wider war that draws in Turkey, which has voiced strong support for Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a defence pact with Armenia. Differences over the conflict have further strained relations between Ankara and its NATO allies, with Pompeo accusing Turkey of fuelling the conflict by arming the Azeri side. Ankara denies it has inflamed the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he hoped that the United States would help Moscow broker a solution to the conflict. About 30,000 people were killed in a 1991-94 war over Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenians regard the enclave as part of their historic homeland; Azeris consider it illegally occupied land that must be returned to their control. (with inputs)

Armenia, Azerbaijan continue to clash over Nagorno-Karabakh despite US talks

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict | Global powers push to end Nagorno-Karabakh fighting

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that almost 5,000 people have died in more than 3 weeks of fighting between Armenia-Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Russian President Putin: Almost 5,000 lives lost in more than 3 weeks of Armenia-Azerbaijan fighting

The Nagorno-Karabakh truce has been marred by fighting. Villages have been deserted and they now resemble ghost towns. Watch report.

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict: Life under shelling in Nagorno-Karabakh

Nagorno-Karabakh is battling a dual crisis, not only is the region facing the clashes in decades but also the challenge to survive COVID-19. Watch the report to know more.

COVID-19 secondary for Nagorno-Karabakh civilians; Truce trays amid fresh shelling

azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, News on Azerbaijan, stories on Azerbaijan, articles on Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan stories at Wion, Azerbaijan news, Azerbaijan latest news

azerbaijan

Deadline of Armenian pullout extended by 10 days, Russia sends more troops

Azerbaijan to takeover Armenian territories in Nagorno Karabakh

Armenian politician arrested over alleged plot to assassinate PM

Armenian villagers burn their houses just ahead of Azerbaijan takeover

Armenians flee homes as takeover by Azerbaijan looms

Armenia arrests opposition leaders as protests erupt over Nagorno-Karabakh deal with Azerbaijan

Armenians and Azerbaijanis live in harmony in Georgian village​

Armenians and Azerbaijanis live in harmony in Georgian village​

Gravitas: Armenia, Azerbaijan sign a peace deal

Azeris celebrate after Nagorno-Karabakh conflict deal signed

WION Dispatch: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia sign deal to end fight

No agreement on deployment of Turkish peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh: Russia

Azerbaijan claims capture of Karabakh's second-largest city Shusha, Armenia denies

Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict: Azeri President claims gain over Shusha

Nagorno-Karabakh: Azerbaijan claims capture of major city, Armenia refutes claim

Azerbaijan, Armenia engage in heavy fighting near key town in Karabakh

Heavy shelling hits Nagorno-Karabakh's largest city, no signs of truce

No fresh ceasefire commitment from Karabakh warring sides; Russia aids Armenia

Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict: No bilateral talks between diplomats during Geneva

Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict: No bilateral talks between diplomats during Geneva

Azerbaijan says 21 killed by Armenian shelling of Barda

US-backed ceasefire appears to fail as Azerbaijan accuses Armenia of missile attack

Karabakh residents caught between conflict and COVID-19 pandemic

US announces new ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire broken again hours after US-backed truce

US-brokered ceasefire broken | Two sides accuse each other of breaking ceasefire | Armenia-Azerbaijan

Armenians and Azerbaijanis live in harmony in Georgian village

Armenians and Azerbaijanis live in harmony in Georgian village