JKNS
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‘Tanks, military helicopters and artillery were used in a rapid escalation of a long-simmering conflict between the two nations’*
Gowhar Nazir
New Delhi, Sep 27: Fierce fighting reportedly broke out on Sunday between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts, which are de facto controlled by the self-declared Republic of Artsakh, but are internationally recognized as de jure part of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan and Armenia quickly escalated with the two sides claiming action with artillery, helicopter and tanks along a disputed border.
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is an ethnic and territorial conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The conflict in the Caucasus Mountains has remained unresolved for more than three decades, with periodic bouts of fighting.
Border clashes in July killed at least 16 people, prompting the largest demonstration for years in the Azerbaijani capital Baku, where there were calls for the region’s recapture.
Armenia claimed to have destroyed two helicopters, three drones and three tanks, saying this was in response to the attack launched by Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan officials said they were mounting a counteroffensive and claimed only one helicopter had been shot down with no loss of life.
Azerbaijan also said it had destroyed 12 Armenian air defense systems.
On Sunday, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged support for Azerbaijan during the new crisis while Russia, traditionally seen as an ally of Armenia, called for an immediate ceasefire and talks to stabilise the situation.
Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said recent hostilities could end “throw[ing] the region into fire” while promising Ankara’s backing to Baku.
“The biggest obstacle to peace and stability in the Caucasus is the hostile stance of Armenia, and it must immediately turn back from this hostility that will send the region into fire,” Akar said.
“We will support our Azerbaijani brothers with all our means in their fight to protect their territorial integrity,” he added.
Armenia’s defence ministry said an attack on civilian settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including the regional capital Stepanakert, began at 08:10 local time (04:10 GMT) on Sunday.
Initially a woman and child were killed, officials said.
Armenia said it had shot down two helicopters and three drones, as well as destroying three tanks.
“Our response will be proportionate, and the military-political leadership of Azerbaijan bears full responsibility for the situation,” the defence ministry said.
However, Charles Michel, president of the European Council, called for a halt to fighting and an “immediate return to negotiations”.
“Military action must stop, as a matter of urgency, to prevent a further escalation,” Michel tweeted, calling for “an immediate return to negotiations, without preconditions.”