Armenia, Azerbaijan: Armenian and Azerbaijani forces exchange fire in disputed border zone, Sept. 23

Event

Border clashes are ongoing between Armenia and Azerbaijan along their national border after exchanges of fire broke out overnight Sept. 22-23. Both national governments blame the other for this outbreak. The two countries have long-standing tensions over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh (NK). The number of fatalities and the amount of damage to infrastructure are unknown.

Azerbaijani authorities claim that Armenian troops fired on positions of the Azerbaijani army in the settlements of:

• Cinarlı, Upper Shorca, Gunesli, and Zerkend in Tovuzkale Province,

• Kohanebi, Keshdek, and Barmagbine in Kalbajar Province,

• Tezekend in Dashkesen Province.

Armenian authorities state that Azerbaijani troops fired on their positions. These claims cannot be independently verified.

Continued military operations, further skirmishes, and localized escalations in violence could occur without warning anywhere in the conflict zone. Spontaneous or planned demonstrations in response to such incidents cannot be ruled out in major cities elsewhere in Armenia or Azerbaijan. Authorities will probably move quickly to disperse any such gatherings that may materialize.

Context

This outbreak of violence follows similar clashes on Sept. 13-14, after which US and EU authorities applied pressure on both sides to de-escalate. Armenian and Azerbaijani forces have frequently engaged in clashes both along the NK line of contact and the two countries shared border further north.

Advice

Avoid nonessential travel to areas near the NK line of contact or close to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border until the situation stabilizes. If operating in these areas, exercise extreme caution; carry proper identification at all times, and heed the instructions of local security personnel. Consider alternate methods for routing shipments in the vicinity of the conflict zone. Avoid all protests. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.