In a recent development along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, a growing influx of ethnic Armenian refugees has been witnessed as they flee Nagorno-Karabakh, following Azerbaijan's recent seizure of the disputed region.
Over 6,500 individuals have crossed into Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh, home to a majority of approximately 120,000 ethnic Armenians. This exodus was triggered by Yerevan's plans to assist those left homeless due to the conflict.
Armenia's Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, expressed concerns about ethnic cleansing in the region and called upon the international community to intervene. In contrast, Azerbaijan has stated its intention to reintegrate ethnic Armenians as equal citizens.
Envoys from both Armenia and Azerbaijan are scheduled to engage in EU-backed talks in Brussels, marking the first such dialogue since the seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh. The US State Department has urged both parties to work towards a lasting peace agreement.
Meanwhile, a distressing incident occurred in Karabakh's main city, Stepanakert, where an explosion at a petrol station reportedly injured more than 200 people. The cause of the explosion remains unclear.
As the refugee crisis unfolds, significant traffic congestion has formed at the Armenian border. Refugees who arrived in the city of Goris in Armenia shared their harrowing experiences, with one man lamenting, "I gave my whole life to my homeland." An elderly woman emphasized their lack of possessions, highlighting the dire situation.
While the Armenian government has offered government-funded housing to some refugees, a clear plan to accommodate the potential influx is yet to be disclosed. Prime Minister Pashinyan had previously indicated preparations to support up to 40,000 refugees.
Anti-government protests have erupted in Yerevan, with calls for Pashinyan's resignation over perceived concessions to Azerbaijan. The Armenian separatist forces disarmed recently, following a swift Azerbaijani military offensive.
The fate of Nagorno-Karabakh, a region internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but controlled by ethnic Armenians for decades, remains uncertain. Moscow and Washington have accused each other of contributing to destabilization in the South Caucasus region, further complicating the situation.
The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh continues to lead to a humanitarian crisis, with refugees fleeing the region, anti-government protests in Armenia, and ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting peace agreement. The situation remains highly fluid and complex.