Nagorno-Karabakh

April 26, 2023

Nagorno-Karabakh is a landlocked, mountainous area in the South Caucasus that has been a source of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan for decades. It is predominantly populated by ethnic Armenians but is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.

The Inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh

Nagorno-Karabakh is mainly inhabited by ethnic Armenians. In 1923, the Soviet government granted the region autonomy within the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. However, in the 1980s, the Armenian population began to demand unification with Armenia.

The First and Second Karabakh Wars

The First Karabakh War took place from 1988 to 1994, resulting in the deaths of about 30,000 people. The war ended with a ceasefire that left Nagorno-Karabakh and some surrounding territories under Armenian control, but the international community still recognizes it as part of Azerbaijan.

The Second Karabakh War broke out in 2020, and Azerbaijan emerged as the victor. One of the main reasons for Azerbaijan’s success was its use of drones purchased from Turkey and Israel.

The Lachin Corridor

The Lachin corridor is the only road linking Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia. After the 44-day war in 2020, Russia negotiated a ceasefire agreement that included the deployment of Russian peacekeepers to guard the Lachin corridor. Azerbaijan pledged to guarantee the safety of traffic along the corridor in both directions.

Tensions Over the Lachin Corridor

In December 2022, Azerbaijani citizens who identified themselves as advocates for the environment initiated a barricade of the Lachin corridor. Despite Azerbaijan’s insistence that some aid and convoys were permitted to pass through, they refuted accusations of a complete road blockade. Recently, Azerbaijani troops set up a new checkpoint near the Armenian border at the beginning of the Lachin corridor.

The United States expressed deep concern over the move and called for free and open movement along the corridor. The tensions over the Lachin corridor highlight the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh and the need for a peaceful resolution to the issue.

« Previous Post Next Post »