Armenia, Azerbaijan: Tensions persist in Nagorno-Karabakh as of Sept. 21 /update 3

Event

Further fighting is possible in Nagorno-Karabakh, as of Sept. 21. There are unconfirmed reports of clashes on the outskirts of Stepanakert (Xankendi) the morning of Sept. 21. Following mediation by Russian peacekeepers, authorities from Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan reportedly agreed to cease hostilities from 13:00 Sept. 20. At least 32 people were killed and around 100 wounded during fighting Sept. 19-20.

Ethnic Armenian forces have reportedly agreed to Azerbaijan's key demands that they leave their combat positions and submit to disarmament. Nagorno-Karabakh's ethnic Armenian representatives have reportedly held a meeting with Azerbaijani officials in Yevlakh, approximately 100km (60 miles) north of Stepanakert (Xankendi), for direct talks.

Tensions will likely remain elevated in the coming days in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, as well as along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, following approximately 24 hours of heavy fighting, including gunfire, shelling, and reported missile strikes. Some reports indicate shelling was continuing near some settlements in Karabakh after 13:00 on Sept. 20; however, this remains unconfirmed. Isolated armed clashes could occur with little warning throughout the disputed territory, as well as elsewhere along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

Spontaneous or planned demonstrations in response to the conflict cannot be ruled out in Armenia or Azerbaijan. These are likely in major urban centers. Authorities in Azerbaijan will likely permit spontaneous celebratory gatherings in Baku and other major cities. Gatherings in both countries will likely prompt localized disruptions.

Context

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense announced on Sept. 19 that it had commenced "anti-terrorist operations" in the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh after six Azerbaijanis were killed in separate land mine blasts near Taghavard earlier that day. These incidents took place despite positive diplomatic developments in recent days; on Sept. 18, a humanitarian convoy entered Karabakh following negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Tensions between Azerbaijan on one side, and ethnic Armenian de facto authorities in Karabakh and Armenia on the other had been increasing in recent months as Azerbaijan maintained a blockade of the Lachin corridor that links Armenia with the disputed region. Azerbaijan had maintained that the road was used to smuggle arms and illicit goods into Karabakh, and had been seeking additional concessions from Stepanakert and Yerevan before allowing the road to reopen. Despite the ceasefire and the possible disarmament of ethnic Armenian forces, tensions will likely persist along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border; occasional exchanges of cross-border gunfire remain possible, particularly surrounding further peace talks between the two nations.

Advice

Avoid nonessential travel to areas near the Nagorno-Karabakh 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.