Just 24 hours after Azerbaijan’s military initiated an offensive in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, ethnic-Armenian forces have consented to a ceasefire brokered by Russia. Among the key stipulations of the ceasefire agreement is the acceptance of a proposal for complete disarmament by the Karabakh forces.
This development comes in the wake of escalating tensions in the region, where some 120,000 ethnic Armenians reside within the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan.
The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh has a tumultuous history dating back several decades. Three years ago, Azerbaijan successfully recaptured territories in and around Karabakh, and on Tuesday, they demanded an unconditional surrender from the opposing forces. Since the onset of the Azerbaijani military’s “anti-terror” operations, Karabakh officials have reported a distressing toll of at least 32 individuals killed, including seven civilians, and another 200 wounded.
Azerbaijan’s presidency announced plans for meetings with Armenian representatives from Karabakh to discuss “issues of re-integration.” These discussions are slated to take place in the Azerbaijani town of Yevlakh, situated approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Karabakh’s regional capital, Khankendi, known as Stepanakert by Armenians.
The breakthrough in negotiations, facilitated by Russian peacekeepers, has led to an agreement on an immediate cessation of hostilities, effective from 13:00 local time (09:00 GMT). Meanwhile, Azerbaijan claims to have captured over 90 positions previously held by ethnic Armenians since the commencement of the recent fighting.
The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh is deeply rooted in historical disputes over territory and self-determination. The region has been a longstanding point of contention between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with ethnic Armenians predominantly populating the area. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, tensions escalated into a full-scale war in the early 1990s, leading to significant loss of life and displacement of populations. A ceasefire was brokered in 1994, but sporadic clashes and skirmishes have persisted over the years, periodically erupting into larger-scale conflicts, as witnessed in recent years and this most recent escalation. The conflict remains a focal point of regional and international concern, highlighting the complexity and sensitivity of the issue.
