Around a thousand refugees who fled Nagorno-Karabakh have found refuge in Armenia, according to the Armenian government. This comes after Azerbaijan’s offensive in the region, which resulted in its victory against Armenian separatist forces. As Azerbaijan consolidates its control over the enclave, Armenia has implicitly criticized Russia’s lack of support in this crisis.
Refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh began entering Armenia on Sunday September 24, with around 1,050 people having already crossed the border. Reuters journalists witnessed the mass arrival of refugees in the town of Goris, near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian implicitly criticized Russia for its lack of support for Armenia following Azerbaijan’s victory. He said that the external security systems in which Armenia is involved have failed to protect its interests and security. This statement alludes to the long-standing relationship between Armenia and Russia, inherited from the times of the USSR.
The crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh continues to have a significant international impact, with the planned meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliev. Additionally, a meeting is also planned in Spain on October 5 between Ilham Aliev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian, with the participation of European leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains worrying, with a local population experiencing anxiety and a shortage of resources. The capital, Stepanakert, is deprived of electricity, fuel, food and medicine due to encirclement by Azerbaijani forces. An aid convoy from the International Committee of the Red Cross, however, entered the region on Saturday to provide assistance to residents.
This new wave of refugees fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh highlights the devastating consequences of Azerbaijan’s recent offensive in the region. It is time for the international community to act to end this conflict and protect the rights and security of all those affected.