The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh has improved in the last couple of days. Fighting between Armenia & Azerbaijan has paused. In this period of relative calm a new bakery has opened in Karabakh's capital.

Bakery in Karabakh's capital is supplying free bread to soldiers & residents

Armenian and Azeri forces fought new clashes on Friday, defying hopes of ending nearly three weeks of fighting over the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Turkey for inflaming the situation by arming the Azeris.

Armenia-Azerbaijan accuse each other of truce violation

While the world is battling the coronavirus pandemic the regional conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region is escalating daily. Watch report.

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict: Azerbaijan strikes inside Armenia

Azerbaijan forces said it hit a missile launch site in Armenia as the conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region continued despite a ceasefire agreement between the two countries in Moscow last week.

Armenia Azerbaijan conflict: Azerbaijan destroys Armenia's two missile launch sites

Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other on Tuesday of violating a ceasefire agreed three days ago to quell fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, drawing warnings from international groups of a humanitarian crisis in the region.

The Russia-brokered truce is buckling despite mounting calls from world powers to halt the fighting, with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the Minsk Group security watchdog among those urging greater commitment to the ceasefire terms.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/nagorno-karabakh-truce-frays-russia-appeals-for-peace-334925" hreflang="en">Nagorno-Karabakh truce frays; Russia appeals for peace</a>

A Reuters cameraman witnessed shelling in the town of Martuni in Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountain enclave which is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but governed and populated by ethnic Armenians.

A Reuters television crew in Terter in Azerbaijan also said the city centre was being shelled earlier on Tuesday.

Azerbaijan accused Armenian forces of "grossly violating the humanitarian truce", which was agreed on Saturday to allow the sides to swap prisoners and bodies of those killed..

Defence ministry spokesman Vagif Dargiahly said Armenia was shelling the Azeri territories of Goranboy and Aghdam, as well as Terter. Azeri forces were not violating the truce, he added.

Armenian defence ministry spokeswoman Shushan Stepanyan denied the accusation. She said Azeri forces had resumed military operations after an overnight lull, "supported by active artillery fire in the southern, northern, northeastern and eastern directions".

The fighting which erupted on Sept. 27, is the worst since a 1991-94 war over Nagorno-Karabakh that killed about 30,000.

It is being closely watched abroad, not only due to its proximity to Azeri energy pipelines to Europe but also because of fears that Russia and Turkey could be drawn in.

Russia has a defence pact with Armenia and Turkey is allied with Azerbaijan.

"CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES"

The Minsk Group called on the Armenian and Azeri leaders to immediately implement the ceasefire to prevent "catastrophic consequences for the region".

The 11-member group includes both Russia and Turkey, but the latter is not involved in the Nagorno-Karabakh talks. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu suggested holding talks that would include Turkey.

Ceasefire demands were "reasonable", according to Cavusoglu, but he said the international community should ask Armenia to withdraw from Azeri territory.

"Sadly no such call is being made," he told reporters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/extremely-concerned-over-civilian-casualties-in-nagorno-karabakh-eu-334555" hreflang="en">Extremely concerned over civilian casualties in Nagorno-Karabakh: EU</a>

Influential Turkish politician Devlet Bahceli, whose party supports President Erdogan's AKP in parliament, took a more belligerent note, telling Azerbaijan to secure Nagorno-Karabakh by "hitting Armenia over the head over and over again".

While Turkey denies military involvement in Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian told Germany's Bild newspaper Ankara's behaviour was worrying.

"I worry because, firstly, there is a third party involved. If it were only about Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan, I would be much more hopeful that the conflict can be contained," he said.

DEAD AND WOUNDED

The death toll has risen further, meanwhile. Nagorno-Karabakh officials said 542 servicemen had been killed so far, up 17 from Monday.

Azerbaijan has reported 42 Azeri civilian deaths and 206 wounded since Sept. 27. It has not disclosed military casualties.

Martin Schuepp, Eurasia regional director for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), said his organisation was in "continuous discussions" to facilitate the handover of detainees or bodies of those killed.

But the security situation meant "it has not been possible for us to access all locations that might have been affected," Schuepp said.

The conflict is also worsening the spread of COVID-19, World Health Organisation spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told a United Nations briefing in Geneva.

In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/azerbaijan-armenia-conflict-the-human-cost-of-war-in-pictures-333182">Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict: The human cost of war in pictures</a>

Armenia's new cases had doubled over the past 14 days as of Monday, while new infections were up approximately 80% over the past week in Azerbaijan, Jasarevic said. He warned of "direct disruption to health care and a further burden on health systems that are already stretched during the COVID pandemic."

With tens of thousands of people potentially needing help in coming months, the ICRC is appealing for another 9.2 million Swiss francs ($10.10 million) to fund its humanitarian efforts in the region, Schuepp said.

Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other on Tuesday of violating a ceasefire agreed three days ago to quell fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, drawing warnings from international groups of a humanitarian crisis in the region.

Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other on Tuesday of violating a ceasefire agreed three days ago to quell fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, drawing warnings from international groups of a humanitarian crisis in the region. The Russia-brokered truce is buckling despite mounting calls from world powers to halt the fighting, with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the Minsk Group security watchdog among those urging greater commitment to the ceasefire terms. Also read: Nagorno-Karabakh truce frays; Russia appeals for peace A Reuters cameraman witnessed shelling in the town of Martuni in Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountain enclave which is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but governed and populated by ethnic Armenians. A Reuters television crew in Terter in Azerbaijan also said the city centre was being shelled earlier on Tuesday. Azerbaijan accused Armenian forces of "grossly violating the humanitarian truce", which was agreed on Saturday to allow the sides to swap prisoners and bodies of those killed.. Defence ministry spokesman Vagif Dargiahly said Armenia was shelling the Azeri territories of Goranboy and Aghdam, as well as Terter. Azeri forces were not violating the truce, he added. Armenian defence ministry spokeswoman Shushan Stepanyan denied the accusation. She said Azeri forces had resumed military operations after an overnight lull, "supported by active artillery fire in the southern, northern, northeastern and eastern directions". The fighting which erupted on Sept. 27, is the worst since a 1991-94 war over Nagorno-Karabakh that killed about 30,000. It is being closely watched abroad, not only due to its proximity to Azeri energy pipelines to Europe but also because of fears that Russia and Turkey could be drawn in. Russia has a defence pact with Armenia and Turkey is allied with Azerbaijan. "CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES" The Minsk Group called on the Armenian and Azeri leaders to immediately implement the ceasefire to prevent "catastrophic consequences for the region". The 11-member group includes both Russia and Turkey, but the latter is not involved in the Nagorno-Karabakh talks. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu suggested holding talks that would include Turkey. Ceasefire demands were "reasonable", according to Cavusoglu, but he said the international community should ask Armenia to withdraw from Azeri territory. "Sadly no such call is being made," he told reporters. Also read: Extremely concerned over civilian casualties in Nagorno-Karabakh: EU Influential Turkish politician Devlet Bahceli, whose party supports President Erdogan's AKP in parliament, took a more belligerent note, telling Azerbaijan to secure Nagorno-Karabakh by "hitting Armenia over the head over and over again". While Turkey denies military involvement in Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian told Germany's Bild newspaper Ankara's behaviour was worrying. "I worry because, firstly, there is a third party involved. If it were only about Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan, I would be much more hopeful that the conflict can be contained," he said. DEAD AND WOUNDED The death toll has risen further, meanwhile. Nagorno-Karabakh officials said 542 servicemen had been killed so far, up 17 from Monday. Azerbaijan has reported 42 Azeri civilian deaths and 206 wounded since Sept. 27. It has not disclosed military casualties. Martin Schuepp, Eurasia regional director for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), said his organisation was in "continuous discussions" to facilitate the handover of detainees or bodies of those killed. But the security situation meant "it has not been possible for us to access all locations that might have been affected," Schuepp said. The conflict is also worsening the spread of COVID-19, World Health Organisation spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told a United Nations briefing in Geneva. In Pics: Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict: The human cost of war in pictures Armenia's new cases had doubled over the past 14 days as of Monday, while new infections were up approximately 80% over the past week in Azerbaijan, Jasarevic said. He warned of "direct disruption to health care and a further burden on health systems that are already stretched during the COVID pandemic." With tens of thousands of people potentially needing help in coming months, the ICRC is appealing for another 9.2 million Swiss francs ($10.10 million) to fund its humanitarian efforts in the region, Schuepp said.

Humanitarian crisis feared as Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire buckles

This announcement is the result of international efforts trying to stop the war which has killed at least 400 people since it broke out on September 27.

Armenia, Azerbaijan agree to ceasefire: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

A temporary ceasefire between Azerbaijan and Armenia that came into effect October 11 after almost two weeks of fighting over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region appears weak. Both countries are accusing each other of violating the terms of the agreement.

Armenia- Azerbaijan break ceasefire: Shelling returns after a brief lull

Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed on October 10 to a ceasefire and to begin "substantive talks" over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh after nearly two weeks of fierce clashes.

Armenia-Azerbaijan to start substantive talks: Move to de-escalate tensions in Karabakh

Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that he was sure that Russia would come to the country's defence if necessary amid conflict with Azerbaijan.

WION Dispatch: Fighting continues in Nagorno-Karabakh

Over the last week, military action in Nagorno-Karabakh, a region disputed between Armenia and Azerbaijan, has resulted in the death of at least 100 civilians and Armenian combatants. While the two countries have fought over the region for decades, the current conflict is being seen as one of the most serious in recent years.

Armenia-Azerbaijan clashes: Clashes intensify between two nations

Amid the rising tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Armenia has expressed its readiness to work with international mediators. Watch report.

Armenia calls for truce with Azerbaijan: Nearly 200 people dead in clashes

Armenia: Ready to work with mediators for ceasefire

French President Emmanuel Macron has accused Turkey of sending 'jihadist' to fight in the Nagorny-Karabakh conflict.

Armenia-Azerbaijan clashes rage as Macron denounces ‘jihadist’ deployment

The heavy fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia has entered its sixth day as dozens have died and unspecified numbers wounded as the two Caucasian countries battle for the historically disputed separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Watch report.

Day 6 of Armenia-Azerbaijan clashes: Hundreds killed dozens wounded

In a big development, Armenia has said that it "can't exclude the possibility" of Pakistani fighters on the ground fight along with "mercenaries operating in Azerbaijan". Armenia's Deputy Foreign Minister Avet Adonts speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Yerevan said," It won't be a surprise for us", recalling how in the 1990s Pakistani nationals were present when war broke in Nagorno Karabakh. He also slammed turkey for sending Jihadis to Azerbaijan explaining "this imposed or instigated war" has been "well planned jointly with Turkey". Clashes have broken between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the past few days over the Nagorno Karabakh region leaving several dead and fears of spillover in the region.

"Can't exclude the possibility", says Armenia on Pakistani fighters on ground amid clashes

In a big development, Armenia has said that it "can't&nbsp;exclude the possibility" of Pakistani fighters on the ground fight along with "mercenaries operating in Azerbaijan".

Armenia's Deputy Foreign Minister Avet Adonts speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Yerevan said," It won't be a surprise for us", recalling how in the 1990s Pakistani nationals were present when war broke in Nagorno Karabakh. He also slammed turkey for sending Jihadis to Azerbaijan explaining "this imposed or instigated war" has been "well planned jointly with Turkey". Clashes have broken between Armenia and Azerbaijan in past few days over Nagorno Karabakh region leaving several dead and fears of spillover in the region.

WION: What is the current situation at the Armenia-Azerbaijan? 
Avet Adonts: The dictatorship of Azerbaijan backed by Turkey instigated large scale war. Large scale war is taking place on the ground. On September 27, early morning between 6 to 7 am, they — Azerbaijan with its military instruments, the airplanes, heavy artillery, tanks all possible supply to start a massive attack towards nagorno karabakh along the entire contact line between nagorno karabakh and Azerbaijan, targeting the civilian population, capital of the area and many casualties are there. Defence forces of Nagorno Karabakh has reacted in a defensive manner, but in a targetted way but in a defensive manner to the aggression by Azeri military forces jointly with the Turkish. The military operation, defensive operations of nagorno karabakh is providing security of its population, it is about 150,000 people of Armenian origin which used to live there. Its a large scale war between nagorno karabakh and Azerbaijan backed by Turkey. They are expanding the geography of this war, they are approaching Armenian as well, taking into account — on Armenian territory, the Armenia aeroplane has been down days ago. We have witnessed next to the capital to Armenia the drones of Azerbaijan. They were downed, but it is another attempt to provoke another escalation.&nbsp;

WION: What kind of global support you are getting? 
Avet Adonts: The international community is well aware, this imposed or instigated war has been well planned, well planned jointly with Turkey. So, its very obvious, obvious documentary proof. No alternative opinion. The situation needs a de escalation, its very obvious. All the international community, with its leaders, are calling to de-escalate the situation. To stop the military operation, but the destination of all these urgent calls are Azerbaijan and Turkey. &nbsp;Why I am saying Turkey, because, Turkey is very much involved, within the military operation which has been initiated by Azerbaijan. It is a new component of part of the political map, they are practically there--helping not only politically, supporting the country politically as well in a very practical way, the military presence, weapon system, starting with the planes, ending with the drones and military personnel.&nbsp;

WION: Turkey's role in the situation? Is it sending Jihadis? 
Avet Adonts: This is not a question, many people and media were questioning days ago. It is very obvious. Not only Jihadis but mercenaries from Northern Part of Syria. They have arrived in Azerbaijan, via Turkey and Turkey was very instrumental in the recruitment process. The number is very different, starting with 1000, ending with 5000. It is very very obvious, proven that they are there, there to fight against Nagorno Karabakh people.

WION: What do you expect from India? 
Avet Adonts: First, we value very much quality and dynamics of our cooperation with India. India is very much crucial partner for Armenia, not only in our bilateral agenda but also within the region and international agenda. This is very much in line with the treaty of friendship and cooperation we are implementing jointly with India. As I mentioned in beginning, the de-escalation is very important as well as the unacceptability of this is hugely important. The joint statement produced by OSCE Minsk group — Russia, US, France, Putin, Trump, macron, they have called for stopping the military operation and the 3rd party is very much involved, the name of 3rd party is Turkey.&nbsp;

WION: Reports of Pakistani support in terms of sending men on the ground? True? 
Avet Adonts: You know, the single country that has supported Azerbaijan in it, within this development. The single country is Turkey with its military and political support, and Pakistan. Many medias are reporting, Pakistani fighters have left Pakistan, and again via Turkey they have reached Azerbaijan to join the mercenaries operating in Azerbaijan. It won't be a surprise for us. Practically it will be proven very soon.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;Your think, considerable possibility of Pakistani nationals on the ground? 
Avet Adonts: We can't exclude this possibility, taking into account, they used to act in the same way at the beginning of 90s during the large scale war in Nagorno karabakh. With ceasefire agreement in 1994, these guys were there, of Pakistani origin. It would not be a surprise for us if they will be present this time as well. Since Thursday different media have been aggressive, reporting they are already there.&nbsp;

In a big development, Armenia has said that it "can't exclude the possibility" of Pakistani fighters on the ground fight along with "mercenaries operating in Azerbaijan".

In a big development, Armenia has said that it "can't exclude the possibility" of Pakistani fighters on the ground fight along with "mercenaries operating in Azerbaijan". Armenia's Deputy Foreign Minister Avet Adonts speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Yerevan said," It won't be a surprise for us", recalling how in the 1990s Pakistani nationals were present when war broke in Nagorno Karabakh. He also slammed turkey for sending Jihadis to Azerbaijan explaining "this imposed or instigated war" has been "well planned jointly with Turkey". Clashes have broken between Armenia and Azerbaijan in past few days over Nagorno Karabakh region leaving several dead and fears of spillover in the region. WION: What is the current situation at the Armenia-Azerbaijan? Avet Adonts: The dictatorship of Azerbaijan backed by Turkey instigated large scale war. Large scale war is taking place on the ground. On September 27, early morning between 6 to 7 am, they — Azerbaijan with its military instruments, the airplanes, heavy artillery, tanks all possible supply to start a massive attack towards nagorno karabakh along the entire contact line between nagorno karabakh and Azerbaijan, targeting the civilian population, capital of the area and many casualties are there. Defence forces of Nagorno Karabakh has reacted in a defensive manner, but in a targetted way but in a defensive manner to the aggression by Azeri military forces jointly with the Turkish. The military operation, defensive operations of nagorno karabakh is providing security of its population, it is about 150,000 people of Armenian origin which used to live there. Its a large scale war between nagorno karabakh and Azerbaijan backed by Turkey. They are expanding the geography of this war, they are approaching Armenian as well, taking into account — on Armenian territory, the Armenia aeroplane has been down days ago. We have witnessed next to the capital to Armenia the drones of Azerbaijan. They were downed, but it is another attempt to provoke another escalation. WION: What kind of global support you are getting? Avet Adonts: The international community is well aware, this imposed or instigated war has been well planned, well planned jointly with Turkey. So, its very obvious, obvious documentary proof. No alternative opinion. The situation needs a de escalation, its very obvious. All the international community, with its leaders, are calling to de-escalate the situation. To stop the military operation, but the destination of all these urgent calls are Azerbaijan and Turkey. Why I am saying Turkey, because, Turkey is very much involved, within the military operation which has been initiated by Azerbaijan. It is a new component of part of the political map, they are practically there--helping not only politically, supporting the country politically as well in a very practical way, the military presence, weapon system, starting with the planes, ending with the drones and military personnel. WION: Turkey's role in the situation? Is it sending Jihadis? Avet Adonts: This is not a question, many people and media were questioning days ago. It is very obvious. Not only Jihadis but mercenaries from Northern Part of Syria. They have arrived in Azerbaijan, via Turkey and Turkey was very instrumental in the recruitment process. The number is very different, starting with 1000, ending with 5000. It is very very obvious, proven that they are there, there to fight against Nagorno Karabakh people. WION: What do you expect from India? Avet Adonts: First, we value very much quality and dynamics of our cooperation with India. India is very much crucial partner for Armenia, not only in our bilateral agenda but also within the region and international agenda. This is very much in line with the treaty of friendship and cooperation we are implementing jointly with India. As I mentioned in beginning, the de-escalation is very important as well as the unacceptability of this is hugely important. The joint statement produced by OSCE Minsk group — Russia, US, France, Putin, Trump, macron, they have called for stopping the military operation and the 3rd party is very much involved, the name of 3rd party is Turkey. WION: Reports of Pakistani support in terms of sending men on the ground? True? Avet Adonts: You know, the single country that has supported Azerbaijan in it, within this development. The single country is Turkey with its military and political support, and Pakistan. Many medias are reporting, Pakistani fighters have left Pakistan, and again via Turkey they have reached Azerbaijan to join the mercenaries operating in Azerbaijan. It won't be a surprise for us. Practically it will be proven very soon. WION: Your think, considerable possibility of Pakistani nationals on the ground? Avet Adonts: We can't exclude this possibility, taking into account, they used to act in the same way at the beginning of 90s during the large scale war in Nagorno karabakh. With ceasefire agreement in 1994, these guys were there, of Pakistani origin. It would not be a surprise for us if they will be present this time as well. Since Thursday different media have been aggressive, reporting they are already there.

Exclusive: 'Can't exclude the possibility', says Armenia on Pakistani fighters on ground amid clashes

The heavy fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia has entered its fifth day as dozens have died and unspecified numbers wounded as the two Caucasian countries battle for the historically disputed separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Watch report.

Day 5 of Armenia-Azerbaijan clashes: Hundreds killed dozens wounded

Armenia and Azerbaijan clashes over the disputed region Nagorno-Karabakh has entered the fifth day. Heavy shelling continues in the region broke away from Azerbaijan in 1990s. Both of the sides accused each other of starting the fight.

Armenia and Azerbaijan clashes over Nagorno-Karabakh region enters fifth day

The United States, UK and Russia have called for 'immediate' ceasefire in Karabakh even as Turkish President Erdogan said a ceasefire in Nagorno Karabakh was only possible if Armenian forces pull back.

Watch:

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"The way for a lasting ceasefire in this region depends on Armenians' withdrawal from every span of Azerbaijani territory," Erdogan said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/armenia-and-azerbaijan-a-decades-long-bloody-rivalry-330840#nagorny-karabakh-330823">See Pics: Armenia and Azerbaijan: A decades-long bloody rivalry</a>

In a statement French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, said: "We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities between the relevant military forces."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-in-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-despite-calls-for-peace-331000">Read:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/death-toll-rises-in-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-despite-calls-for-peace-331000" hreflang="en">Death toll rises in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict despite calls for peace</a>

"We also call on the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to commit without delay to resuming substantive negotiations," the leaders added.

Amid the calls for peace, Armenian and Azerbaijani forces intensified shelling in which 130 people have died so far. The Armenian defence ministry said that fighting had "intensified" while claiming that it had inflicted "enormous losses" killing at least 350-360 Azerbaijani troops.

However, Azerbaijan's defence ministry said that it had &nbsp;carried out "crushing artillery strikes against Armenian forces' positions in the occupied territories".&nbsp;

The United States, UK and Russia have called for 'immediate' ceasefire in Karabakh even as Turkish President Erdogan said a ceasefire in Nagorno Karabakh was only possible if Armenian forces pull back.

The United States, UK and Russia have called for 'immediate' ceasefire in Karabakh even as Turkish President Erdogan said a ceasefire in Nagorno Karabakh was only possible if Armenian forces pull back. Watch: "The way for a lasting ceasefire in this region depends on Armenians' withdrawal from every span of Azerbaijani territory," Erdogan said. See Pics: Armenia and Azerbaijan: A decades-long bloody rivalry In a statement French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, said: "We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities between the relevant military forces." Read: Death toll rises in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict despite calls for peace "We also call on the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to commit without delay to resuming substantive negotiations," the leaders added. Amid the calls for peace, Armenian and Azerbaijani forces intensified shelling in which 130 people have died so far. The Armenian defence ministry said that fighting had "intensified" while claiming that it had inflicted "enormous losses" killing at least 350-360 Azerbaijani troops. However, Azerbaijan's defence ministry said that it had carried out "crushing artillery strikes against Armenian forces' positions in the occupied territories".

Amid Armenia, Azerbaijan clash, US, Russia & UK urge 'immediate' ceasefire in Karabakh as fighting continues

Azerbaijan has vowed to pursue military action against Armenian troops in occupied Karabakh until a full Armenian withdrawal from the territory. Watch report.

Armenia-Azerbaijan clashes: Fighting continues for the fourth day | World News

An Armenian woman and child were killed Sunday when heavy fighting erupted between Azerbaijan and Armenian separatists, with the two foes accusing each other of starting fighting that led to casualties on both sides.

Ethnic Armenian separatists seized the Nagorny Karabakh region from Baku in a 1990s war that claimed 30,000 lives.

Talks to resolve the Karabakh dispute -- one of the worst conflicts to emerge from the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union -- have been largely stalled since a 1994 ceasefire agreement.

Armenia said Sunday Azerbaijan attacked civilian settlements in Nagorny Karabakh including its main city Stepanakert.

Azerbaijan's defence ministry said it launched a "counter offensive to suppress Armenia's combat activity and ensure the safety of the population," using tanks, artillery missiles, combat aviation and drones.

"There are reports of dead and wounded among civilians and military servicemen," the spokesman for the Azerbaijani presidency, Hikmet Hajiyev, said in a statement.

Karabakh's ombudsman Artak Beglaryan said "there are civilian casualties" among the region's population.

Separately, a spokesman for the Armenian defence ministry said an Armenian woman and child were killed in Karabakh.&nbsp;

The worst clashes since 2016 have raised the spectre of a fresh large-scale war between arch-foes Azerbaijan and Armenia that have been locked for decades in a territorial dispute over Nagorny Karabakh.

A major confrontation between the ex-Soviet Caucasus neighbours would draw in big regional players Russia and Turkey.

On Sunday morning, Azerbaijan started "active bombing" along Karabakh's frontline and of civilian targets, including in the main city Stepanakert, Karabakh's presidency said.

The rebel defence ministry claimed its troops shot down two Azerbaijani helicopters and three drones.

- 'We will win' - 
The claims were denied by the defence ministry in Baku which said its forces were responding to an Armenian offensive.

Hajiyev said Armenian forces in Karabakh "blatantly violated the ceasefire regime and, using large-caliber weapons, mortar launchers and artillery have launched an intensive attack on the positions of the armed forces of Azerbaijan along the frontline."

"Let us stand firmly behind our state, our army... and we will win. Long live the glorious Armenian army!" Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Facebook.

Azerbaijan's transport ministry said it has "put restrictions on internet traffic" in the country "in order to prevent Armenian provocations."

On Friday, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev accused Armenia of undermining Karabakh peace talks.

In July, heavy clashes along the two countries shared border -- hundreds of kilometres from Karabakh -- claimed the lives of at least 17 troops from both sides.

Raising the stakes, Azerbaijan at the time threatened to strike Armenia's atomic power station if Yerevan attacked strategic facilities.

During the most recent serious clashes in April 2016, some 110 people were killed.&nbsp;

France, Russia and the United States have mediated peace efforts as the "Minsk Group" but the last big push for a peace deal collapsed in 2010.

An Armenian woman and child were killed Sunday when heavy fighting erupted between Azerbaijan and Armenian separatists, with the two foes accusing each other of starting fighting that led to casualties on both sides.

An Armenian woman and child were killed Sunday when heavy fighting erupted between Azerbaijan and Armenian separatists, with the two foes accusing each other of starting fighting that led to casualties on both sides. Ethnic Armenian separatists seized the Nagorny Karabakh region from Baku in a 1990s war that claimed 30,000 lives. Talks to resolve the Karabakh dispute -- one of the worst conflicts to emerge from the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union -- have been largely stalled since a 1994 ceasefire agreement. Armenia said Sunday Azerbaijan attacked civilian settlements in Nagorny Karabakh including its main city Stepanakert. Azerbaijan's defence ministry said it launched a "counter offensive to suppress Armenia's combat activity and ensure the safety of the population," using tanks, artillery missiles, combat aviation and drones. "There are reports of dead and wounded among civilians and military servicemen," the spokesman for the Azerbaijani presidency, Hikmet Hajiyev, said in a statement. Karabakh's ombudsman Artak Beglaryan said "there are civilian casualties" among the region's population. Separately, a spokesman for the Armenian defence ministry said an Armenian woman and child were killed in Karabakh. The worst clashes since 2016 have raised the spectre of a fresh large-scale war between arch-foes Azerbaijan and Armenia that have been locked for decades in a territorial dispute over Nagorny Karabakh. A major confrontation between the ex-Soviet Caucasus neighbours would draw in big regional players Russia and Turkey. On Sunday morning, Azerbaijan started "active bombing" along Karabakh's frontline and of civilian targets, including in the main city Stepanakert, Karabakh's presidency said. The rebel defence ministry claimed its troops shot down two Azerbaijani helicopters and three drones. - 'We will win' - The claims were denied by the defence ministry in Baku which said its forces were responding to an Armenian offensive. Hajiyev said Armenian forces in Karabakh "blatantly violated the ceasefire regime and, using large-caliber weapons, mortar launchers and artillery have launched an intensive attack on the positions of the armed forces of Azerbaijan along the frontline." "Let us stand firmly behind our state, our army... and we will win. Long live the glorious Armenian army!" Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Facebook. Azerbaijan's transport ministry said it has "put restrictions on internet traffic" in the country "in order to prevent Armenian provocations." On Friday, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev accused Armenia of undermining Karabakh peace talks. In July, heavy clashes along the two countries shared border -- hundreds of kilometres from Karabakh -- claimed the lives of at least 17 troops from both sides. Raising the stakes, Azerbaijan at the time threatened to strike Armenia's atomic power station if Yerevan attacked strategic facilities. During the most recent serious clashes in April 2016, some 110 people were killed. France, Russia and the United States have mediated peace efforts as the "Minsk Group" but the last big push for a peace deal collapsed in 2010.

Child, woman among casualties in Nagorny Karabakh heavy fighting

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