October 12, 2020
We are winning and will get our territory back and ensure our territorial integrity. Let them abandon our territory in peace.
- Fighting began on September 27th – The exact source that led to the eruption of hostilities also remains disputed.
- Reports include civilian deaths, violence fighting, use of drones, and the hiring of outside militia (specifically Syrian militia by Turkey to fight on behalf of Azerbaijan).
- Turkey and Russia, two bordering nations, have vested interests. Turkey backs the Azerbaijan; Russia has tried to play peace maker and negotiated a cease fire that has not held. Armenia has reached to the West, specifically the U.S., for more direct support but the results remain TBD.
- Why This Matters: Turkey is a member of NATO – an alliance that includes the United States. Foreign policy analysts worry a local conflict can spill over to include major powers (like Russia and Turkey) more directly.
Here’s a good backgrounder on the conflict: Eruption of Conflict Over Nagorno-Karabakh
Here’s a good editorial on the stakes: Armenia, Azerbaijan Trade Accusations of Shelling Despite Truce
The most recent news as of October 12th with good context: Why Is Conflict Erupting Again Between Armenia and Azerbaijan?
by Jenna Lee,
