Azerbaijan – Armenia Military Conflict Continues
Despite decades of bloodshed and losses on both sides, conflict continues in the Nagorno-Karabakh region between Azerbaijan and Armenia. But just what is driving this lengthy war?
The Nagorno-Karabakh region is a mountainous area on the Azerbaijan side of the border between the two nations. However, the majority of the population in the area is of Armenian descent.
So, despite the recognition of the region as a part of Azerbaijan, the Nagorno-Karabakh are essentially controlled by Armenian groups. All of this has been a hotly debated topic since the 1990s.
During the last war between 1988 and 1994, about 30,000 people lost their lives.
This area was an autonomous region when it was a part of the Soviet Union. However, with the fall of the Soviet bloc, things changed. The land was recognized as a part of Azerbaijan even though its inhabitants are predominantly Christian Armenians and Muslim Turks.
Why does this conflict matter in global politics?
The Azerbaijan – Armenia conflict is taking place in an area where major oil pipelines are located. As such, military battles and continued instability may jeapordize the seamless flow of oil.
A major oil and gas giant, SOCAR, released a statement reported on by the Russian news agency Interfax. In response to escalating tensions in the region, the company indicated that security measures have been strengthened in the areas around the oil infrastructure.
Russia has military bases in Armenia and has sustained a moderate political relationship with Azerbaijan, calling for a ceasefire for the sake of peace.
Another neighbor country of Azerbaijan, Turkey, openly supports Azerbaijan. Turkey perceives Azerbaijan as a brother country and Azeri Turk fellows. As such, Turkey makes claims for Armenian forces to withdraw their “occupation”.
Latest Reports of Military Conflict
With the rising tension in the region, border clashes were reported this week starting on Sunday, 27th September.
According to reports, the total number of fatalities has reached 95 – with 11 civilians killed. The Armenian Defense Ministry officials reported that 200 troops were injured as well.
Currently, both states have declared general mobilization and martial law. The United Nations Council is expected to make statements after emergency talks with regard to initiate ceasefire and de-escalation of military attacks. They openly state that there is no military solution to the conflict.
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