Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict: Fresh Clashes Erupt, Nearly 100 Killed

Fresh clashes erupted between Azerbaijan and Armenia on Wednesday as international efforts intensified to end the violence that killed nearly 100 soldiers in the deadliest fighting between the ex-Soviet republics since 2020.

The Armenian defence ministry accused Azerbaijan, which is backed politically and militarily by Turkey, of firing artillery, mortar and small arms in a fresh attack.

"The situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border remained tense," the defence ministry said.

At least 49 Armenian and 50 Azerbaijani militaries were killed on Tuesday in clashes along the countries' border. However, both sides blamed each other for the fighting.

Azerbaijan accused Armenia, which is in a military alliance with Moscow and home to a Russian military base, of firing mortars and artillery against its military units. It said that two civilians had been injured since the clashes erupted.

"Our positions are periodically being fired against at the moment," Azerbaijan's defence ministry said. "Our units are taking the necessary response measures."

On Tuesday, Armenia said its neighbour struck well inside its territory, including Jermuk, a resort town known for its hot springs.

In response to media queries regarding reports of attacks along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, India’s MEA’s spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi said, “We have seen reports of attacks along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, including targeting of civilian settlements and infrastructure on 12/13 September 2022. We call upon the aggressor side to immediately cease hostilities.”

He also said, “We believe that bilateral disputes should be settled through diplomacy and dialogue. There can be no military solution to any conflict. We encourage both sides to pursue talks to arrive at a lasting and peaceful solution.”

Armenia and Azerbaijan have been fighting for decades over Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous enclave internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but which until 2020 was populated and fully controlled by ethnic Armenians.

Azerbaijan won significant territorial gains in and around Nagorno-Karabakh in a six-week war that year. Skirmishes have erupted periodically despite a Russian-brokered ceasefire.

(Reuters)