Azerbaijan Launches New Military Operation in Nagorno-Karabakh
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Republic of Azerbaijan's ministry of defense announced the commencement of "anti-terrorist activities" in the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, saying that the offensive would only target military structures.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the ministry said, "Local anti-terrorist activities carried out by the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan are ongoing.
"As part of the activities, only legitimate military installations and infrastructure are targeted and incapacitated using high-precision weapons," it added. The ministry also mentioned the creation of humanitarian corridors to facilitate the evacuation of civilians.
Armenia's foreign ministry has called on Russian peacekeeping troops deployed in the region to intervene and halt what it has labeled Azerbaijan's "full-scale aggression" against the local population.
Explosions were reported in the region's de facto capital, known as Stepanakert to Armenians and Khankendi in Azerbaijan, according to an AFP news agency reporter on the ground. Armenia's defense ministry stated that it had no military personnel or equipment in Karabakh.
Nagorno-Karabakh has been a longstanding flashpoint of tension between Azerbaijan and Armenia, resulting in two wars for control of the region. Currently, it is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but it is predominantly inhabited by ethnic Armenians.
The announcement of this offensive came shortly after Azerbaijan's ministry of foreign affairs reported at least six casualties in two separate incidents in the Azeri Khojavend district, allegedly due to landmines planted by Armenia's security forces.
Meanwhile, Russia has expressed deep concern about the escalating situation in the contested region, TASS reported. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for Russia's foreign ministry, conveyed Russia's alarm, stating that Azerbaijan had alerted Russian peacekeepers in the region just minutes before launching its military action.
The United Nations also voiced concern over the ongoing developments in Nagorno-Karabakh. United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric highlighted the need for a peaceful resolution to the situation.