Azerbaijan launched a large-scale military offensive against the self-declared breakaway state of Artsakh on September 19 and 20, 2023, violating the ceasefire agreement signed in the aftermath of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020. The offensive took place in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is de jure a part of Azerbaijan, and was a de facto independent republic. The stated goal of the offensive was the complete disarmament and unconditional surrender of Artsakh, as well as the withdrawal of all ethnic Armenian soldiers present in the region.
This move by Azerbaijan has significant implications for the region, which has been plagued by conflict and tensions for years. The offensive occurred in the midst of an escalating crisis caused by Azerbaijan’s 10-month-long blockade of Artsakh, which resulted in significant scarcities of essential supplies such as food, medicine, and other goods.
The blockade, which had been in place for nearly a year, had a devastating impact on the residents of Artsakh, leaving them without access to basic necessities. The offensive has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region, raising concerns about the well-being and safety of the civilian population. The use of military force by Azerbaijan has also raised questions about the commitment to peaceful resolution of the conflict and the respect for international agreements.
One day after the offensive started, on September 20, a ceasefire agreement was reached at the mediation of the Russian peacekeeping contingent. The agreement, described as a written agreement for the surrender of Artsakh, included the disarmament of the Artsakh Defence Army.
However, the situation on the ground remains uncertain, and the implementation of the agreement is yet to be seen. The role of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in mediating the ceasefire agreement is significant, and their continued involvement will be crucial in maintaining stability in the region. The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh is complex and has a long history, with both Azerbaijan and Armenia having competing claims to the region.
The international community has been involved in efforts to resolve the conflict, with various organizations and countries calling for a peaceful resolution. The latest developments have highlighted the need for a sustainable and lasting solution to the conflict, one that takes into account the rights and concerns of all parties involved.
Looking Ahead
As the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh continues to unfold, it is essential to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the disarmament of the Artsakh Defence Army. The international community will be watching closely to see how the situation develops and whether the agreement holds. The well-being and safety of the civilian population remain a top concern, and efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in the region must be a priority. In the coming days and weeks, it will be crucial to watch for any signs of escalation or progress towards a lasting resolution to the conflict.
