Title: Azerbaijani Forces Overpower Armenian Fighters in Nagorno-Karabakh, Russian Peacekeepers Facilitating Surrender
Subtitle: After a 24-hour military operation, ethnic Armenian fighters concede defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, handing over weapons to Russian peacekeepers.
In a recent development in the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenian fighters have surrendered to Azerbaijani forces following a swift, 24-hour military operation. Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed reports of ethnic Armenian forces relinquishing their weapons, initiating a process facilitated by Russian peacekeepers in the region.
To date, the surrender has included the handover of six armored vehicles, over 800 guns, and roughly 5,000 units of munitions to the Russian peacekeeping mission. This significant event transpired as part of a ceasefire agreement reached on September 20, subsequent to a series of successful Azerbaijani military operations.
Tragically, the fighting between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces has resulted in at least 200 deaths, causing grave concerns over the escalating humanitarian crisis. Recognizing the urgent need for assistance, the Russian authorities and the International Committee of the Red Cross have stepped in, offering aid in the form of essential supplies such as food, fuel, blankets, and diapers to those affected by the conflict.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, in a bid to ease tensions, has reassured the international community that ethnic Armenians will be treated equally. Given the historical context, Nagorno-Karabakh has been under Armenian control since the conclusion of the separatist war in 1994. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan has successfully regained control of territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh in the 2020 war, reinforcing their claim on the region internationally.
In an effort to prevent further violence and maintain stability, Russian peacekeeping forces were deployed to Nagorno-Karabakh. However, tensions amongst Armenia, Russia, and the US have remained high during the conflict. Armenia, in particular, has expressed grievances regarding the perceived lack of action by the Russian forces to keep the road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia open.
The road closure has been largely enforced by Azerbaijani authorities since December, citing concerns related to alleged illicit weapons shipments and unauthorized mineral extraction. This issue has further strained relations between the conflicting parties.
As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes are on the Russian peacekeepers as they navigate the delicate balance between maintaining peace and addressing the concerns of both Armenia and Azerbaijan. The wounds incurred during this conflict run deep, necessitating careful diplomacy and humanitarian aid to rebuild trust and foster long-lasting peace in the region.
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