Baku Urges Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh to Surrender Weapons

"The State Security Service appeals to the population of the Karabakh region and urges them to refrain from actions that threaten the overall development of the regions included in the Karabakh economic region of the Republic of Azerbaijan," the agency stated on its website, according to TASS.

It emphasized the importance of preserving the well-being of the Armenian population, their peaceful reintegration into Azerbaijani society, resolution of social and humanitarian issues, protection of the rule of law, stability, and public security. The agency also urged them to avoid destruction of properties, documents, and similar illegal actions.

The statement further guaranteed that the Azerbaijani government would protect the rights and freedoms of persons of Armenian nationality who comply with the requirements of relevant legislation and surrender their weapons.

Tensions escalated in Nagorno-Karabakh on September 19, with Baku announcing "local anti-terrorist measures" and demanding the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the region. Yerevan denied the presence of Armenian forces in Karabakh and labeled the events as "an act of large-scale aggression."

The Russian Foreign Ministry called on both parties to cease hostilities, prevent civilian casualties, and seek a diplomatic resolution to the Karabakh issue.

Iran also said that all issues pertaining to the region including the rights and security of its residents must be resolved within this framework and through dialogue.

Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but has been populated by ethnic Armenians. In 2020, Azerbaijan made significant territorial gains in a six-week war that killed thousands on both sides, before Moscow brokered a ceasefire deal that included the deployment of 1,960 Russian peacekeepers to the region for a five-year period.