Azerbaijan-Armenia Armed Clash... Full-Scale War 'Imminent'

Long-standing Rivalry... Nagorno-Karabakh Clashes Again
Martial Law and Mobilization Declared as Full-Scale War Posture

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Armenia and Azerbaijan, longtime adversaries in the South Caucasus region, have engaged in armed clashes resulting in casualties among soldiers and civilians. Numerous military and civilian deaths have occurred due to the fighting between the two sides. Despite international mediation efforts, both parties remain open to the possibility of full-scale war.

Wreckage of a tank claimed by Nagorno-Karabakh to have been attacked by Azerbaijani forces. [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

On the 27th (local time), Armenia and Azerbaijan clashed militarily in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Both sides have declared martial law and mobilization orders, leaving open the possibility of escalation into full-scale war. Each side is blaming the other for initiating the recent hostilities.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in a national address, stated, "Azerbaijan has once again declared war against the Armenian people," warning that "this situation could threaten international peace and stability beyond the borders of the region."

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in a televised speech, said, "This armed conflict has dealt a serious blow to peace negotiations," and asserted, "Nagorno-Karabakh is Azerbaijan." He further declared, "The enemies have provoked us again today, and they will pay the price they deserve."

The Nagorno-Karabakh region, where the two sides clashed, has a population of less than 150,000 and is Azerbaijani territory predominantly inhabited by ethnic Armenians. The Christian Armenian residents have engaged in armed resistance against Azerbaijani rule, which is predominantly Muslim. Although peace mediation efforts have been ongoing, armed clashes have persisted. Armenia and Azerbaijan have also fought since gaining independence from the former Soviet Union.

In 1994, Nagorno-Karabakh declared independence from Azerbaijan, but the region currently claims to be an independent state without international recognition.

The Armenian military reported that it destroyed four Azerbaijani helicopters, ten tanks, and fifteen drones in response to airstrikes in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Nagorno-Karabakh government stated that 16 soldiers were killed and over 100 wounded due to Azerbaijani shelling. Additionally, two civilians were killed, and 30 soldiers were injured.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan claims that 19 civilians are receiving treatment in hospitals due to the recent clashes. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense stated that it retaliated by targeting infrastructure facilities in Nagorno-Karabakh and destroyed 12 anti-aircraft weapons.

Neighboring countries quickly called for restraint. The European Union (EU) demanded an end to the armed conflict and urged negotiations. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed "serious concern over the clashes between the two sides" and called on both parties to "take measures to prevent military conflict and cease fighting."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.