Explosion at Nagorno-Karabakh Fuel Depot Kills 125

Explosion at Nagorno-Karabakh Fuel Depot Kills 125

The peaceful morning of September 25 was shattered by a massive explosion at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed region in the South Caucasus. The blast resulted in a significant loss of life, leaving at least 125 dead, as reported by the Armenian Health Minister, Anahit Avanesyan. The bodies of the victims were transported to Armenia on the same day for identification and burial. The de-facto Health Ministry of Nagorno-Karabakh reported that 290 burn victims are currently receiving treatment in four different medical facilities.

The explosion happened while fuel was being distributed to residents heading to Armenia. The cause of the blast is still under investigation. This incident has only served to increase the already high levels of fear and tension in the region.

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Mass Exodus from Nagorno-Karabakh

This explosion has come on the heels of a mass exodus of people from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. The territory was surrendered to the Azerbaijani military on September 20, following 24 hours of relentless attacks by Azerbaijani forces. The international community recognizes Nagorno-Karabakh as Azerbaijani territory, despite its majority Armenian population of 120,000.

Following the declaration of its independence in 1991, Nagorno-Karabakh enjoyed the military support of Armenia. Armenia had de facto control over the territory and its surrounding regions until 2020. However, in 2021, Azerbaijan invaded several internationally recognized Armenian territories in the east of the country. These territories remain under Azerbaijani occupation, leading to a significant escalation in regional tensions and conflicts.

(Read Also: Constructive Talks Amid Continuing Conflict: Azerbaijan and Armenia in Dialogue Over Nagorno-Karabakh)

The Current State of Affairs

These recent developments have resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis in the region. The mass exodus of people from Nagorno-Karabakh, coupled with the explosion at the fuel depot, has left the region in a state of turmoil. The fear of mass casualties looms large, and the uncertainty of the cause of the explosion only adds to the existing tension.

While the international community is making efforts to address the situation, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh are left in a state of fear and uncertainty. Many are still missing, and the number of burn victims continues to rise. Medical resources in the region are stretched thin, and the desperate need for anti-burn antibiotics and specialized burn units is palpable.

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