The ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan primarily centers on the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but historically populated and controlled by ethnic Armenians. The conflict has deep historical roots, involving multiple wars and periods of intense fighting, including a major war in 2020 and a decisive Azerbaijani offensive in 2023. Recent events include a large-scale exodus of ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh and ongoing tensions regarding border demarcation and transport links. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Key aspects of the conflict:
- Nagorno-Karabakh: A region with a majority Armenian population, historically within Azerbaijan, that has been a focal point of the conflict. [1, 2, 3]
- 2020 War: A major escalation resulting in Azerbaijan regaining significant territory lost in previous conflicts. [2]
- 2023 Offensive: A swift Azerbaijani military operation that led to the collapse of the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh and the mass displacement of its Armenian population. [2, 5]
- Humanitarian Crisis: Armenia is grappling with the influx of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, while Azerbaijan seeks to resettle its citizens in the reclaimed territories. [2]
- Ongoing Tensions: Despite a ceasefire, unresolved issues like border demarcation and transportation routes continue to fuel tensions. [2, 4]
- International Involvement: The conflict has drawn in regional powers like Russia and Turkey, adding layers of complexity to the situation. [1, 6]
- Recent Developments: Recent reports indicate a potential peace deal being negotiated between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including discussions about withdrawing legal cases from international courts and potentially amending Armenia's constitution. [4, 7]
Historical Context:
The conflict's roots trace back to the collapse of the Soviet Union, with both Armenia and Azerbaijan claiming Nagorno-Karabakh. The region was historically part of Azerbaijan, but a predominantly Armenian population there sought to join Armenia. This led to a series of wars, including a major one in the early 1990s, resulting in Armenian control of the region. [1, 2, 5, 8]
Recent Developments:
- In September 2023, Azerbaijan launched a military operation that led to the collapse of the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh and the exodus of most of the ethnic Armenian population. [2, 5]
- Both Armenia and Azerbaijan are engaging in negotiations to resolve outstanding issues, including border demarcation and the status of transport corridors. [2, 4]
- There are ongoing discussions about withdrawing legal cases from international courts, potentially leading to a more comprehensive peace agreement. [4]
