In the wake of Azerbaijan’s recent rapid offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, a significant exodus of ethnic Armenians has taken place, with over 42,500 refugees seeking shelter in Armenia. This influx amounts to more than one-third of the total population of the separatist region in the Caucasus. The offensive, leading to a 24-hour military operation, resulted in the transfer of control over the mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan, impacting around 120,000 people.
A ceasefire agreement was brokered, officially transferring the territory to Baku and reopening the only road linking Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia Azerbaijan.
pledged to permit rebel fighters who surrender their weapons to flee. However, the movement of refugees has caused extensive traffic congestions, with numerous overcrowded vehicles struggling to navigate the Lachine corridor, leading to delays and difficulties in reaching the Armenian border.+
Many refugees recount harrowing journeys lasting up to 24 hours, lacking essential supplies such as food and water due to the blockade imposed by Baku. The displaced individuals express their distress and emphasize the urgent need for international attention and assistance, revealing the grim reality of their displacement.
Azerbaijan’s assurance to treat ethnic Armenians as equal citizens aims to address concerns and ensure a semblance of stability and security. Despite these assurances, challenges persist, exemplified by a tragic incident at a fuel depot that claimed numerous lives and left hundreds injured.
The historical conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, dating back to the 1990s and reignited in 2020, has been marked by casualties and deep-rooted enmity. The recent events have once again escalated tensions, urging the need for dialogue and diplomatic efforts to find a sustainable resolution and restore peace in the region.
International stakeholders, including the European Union, are engaging in discussions to assess the situation and consider potential meetings to address the ongoing crisis and work towards a peaceful resolution. Stay updated with our business news for further insights into the evolving situation and its potential economic implications.