Azerbaijan: Fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh enters fourth day September 30 /update 4

Event

Fighting in the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region in western Azerbaijan entered its fourth day on Wednesday, September 30, amid clashes between Armenian-backed separatists loyal to the self-proclaimed Artsakh Republic and Azerbaijani forces. Attacks occurred across both sides of the Line of Contact on Wednesday, with Armenian's Defence Ministry stating that artillery fire has been reported across the entire front in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Armenian government claimed that firing by Azeri forces had killed three civilians in the town of Martakert in Nagorno-Karabakh on Wednesday. Incidents of shelling have also been reported outside of the Nagorno-Karabakh region. On Tuesday, September 29, the Armenian Defence Ministry stated that Armenian military units had come under fire in the town of Vardenis (Gegharkunik province) whilst also denying Azeri claims that the Armenian artillery fire had struck targets in Azerbaijan's Dashkesan region. Separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh have stated that at least 84 of their fighters have been killed in the past four days of fighting. Azerbaijan has not commented on military casualty figures; however, authorities have stated that at least 12 civilians have been killed.

Further clashes in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh region are highly likely over the near term. Clashes along the length of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border outside the Nagorno-Karabakh region cannot be ruled out. A heightened security presence and disruptions to transportation are expected.

Context

The latest round of hostilities erupted on Sunday, September 27, when Azerbaijani forces reportedly carried out strikes on settlements in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, including the regional capital Stepanakert, causing at least two civilian fatalities. Residents of the area have been instructed to seek refuge in shelters. Following a retaliation by separatist forces, Azerbaijan launched what it claims to be a 'counter-offensive' in response. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have used heavy weaponry and reported casualties and material losses. Both sides have released footage claiming to show the destruction of enemy armored vehicles and installations. A state of war, martial law, and mobilization have been declared in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh.

Armenia and neighboring Azerbaijan have a long-standing dispute over the possession of Nagorno-Karabakh, home to some 150,000 inhabitants (mostly ethnic Armenians) and located in the west of Azerbaijan. This issue has fueled tensions between the two countries since 1988; some 30,000 people were killed in fighting from 1990 to 1994. The two countries declared another ceasefire in April 2016 after the region experienced four days of violent clashes that left hundreds dead.

Tensions between the two countries remain high and each side frequently accuses the other of violating the ceasefire agreement.

Advice

Western governments generally advise their citizens against all travel to Nagorno-Karabakh and the Azerbaijan-Armenia border. Those in Azerbaijan are advised to monitor developments and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.