The lightning-fast victory of Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh has significant implications for the region and raises concerns about the humanitarian situation, ethnic cleansing, and the future of the conflict. The Azerbaijani forces’ swift capture of the breakaway region within 24 hours highlighted the weaknesses in the Armenian defenses and the effectiveness of the Azerbaijani military strategy.
The aftermath of the conflict revealed deserted Armenian outposts and a ghost town in the regional capital, Khankendi. The exodus of nearly 120,000 Armenians, the entire population of Nagorno-Karabakh, raises concerns about the displacement and humanitarian crisis in the region. While Azerbaijani officials claim that the Armenian residents chose to leave freely, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accused Azerbaijan of ethnic cleansing. The international community, including the EU, has condemned the Azerbaijani operation.
The speed of the Azerbaijani victory and the lack of information about the number and location of Azerbaijani casualties also raises questions. The media tour of the region organized by Azerbaijani officials did not provide adequate transparency, as international media outlets were denied entry to the city of Khankendi due to security concerns. The true extent of the human cost of the conflict remains unknown.
The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh is deeply rooted in historical and ethnic tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The recent triumph of Azerbaijan raises concerns about the future status of the region and the potential for further clashes. The Russian-brokered peace agreement in 2020 returned some districts to Azerbaijan but left a key part of the region under Armenian control. The reintegration of the civilian population and the long-term stability of the region remain uncertain.
The conflict also sheds light on the geopolitical dynamics in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan, an autocratic and Muslim-majority state, has a long history of conflict with Armenia, which belongs to one of the world’s oldest Christian civilizations. The religious and ethnic dimensions of the conflict fuel distrust and animosity between the two populations, leading to cycles of violence and displacement.
The international community plays a crucial role in addressing the aftermath of the conflict and preventing further escalation. Humanitarian aid should be provided to support the displaced Armenian population and address their urgent needs. Diplomatic efforts should be intensified to facilitate a peaceful resolution and promote dialogue between the parties involved.
In conclusion, the rapid Azerbaijani victory in Nagorno-Karabakh has profound implications for the region. The humanitarian crisis, allegations of ethnic cleansing, and uncertainty surrounding the future status of the region raise concerns. The international community must prioritize humanitarian assistance and diplomatic efforts to mitigate the consequences of the conflict and promote long-term stability in the South Caucasus.
