Explosion at Nagorno-Karabakh Fuel Depot Leaves Over 200 Injured

Explosion at Nagorno-Karabakh Fuel Depot Leaves Over 200 Injured

More than 200 individuals have been left injured due to a massive explosion at a fuel depot in Nagorno-Karabakh, a region disputed by Armenia and Azerbaijan. The majority of the victims are reportedly in severe or extremely severe condition, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

The incident has cast a spotlight on the region’s inadequate medical capacities to handle such a crisis, propelling a call for international aid.

Appeals for Aid Amidst Crisis

The region’s rights ombudsman, Gegham Stepanyan, in a social media post, drew attention to the region’s inadequacy to handle such a large-scale medical emergency. He has urged for air ambulances to be allowed to land in the region to provide much-needed aid to the victims. His plea for urgent medical assistance comes as the region grapples with the immediate repercussions of the explosion.

The explosion has resulted in mass casualties, with several victims suffering from serious burn injuries. The overwhelmed regional hospitals are currently providing treatment to the wounded. However, the exact number of casualties has not yet been confirmed. The incident occurred while fuel was being distributed to people who were leaving the region to seek refuge in Armenia, following recent military escalations.

(Read Also: Escalating Crisis in Karabakh: The Rising Tide of Refugees)

Regional Context of the Crisis

Nagorno-Karabakh, while recognized as Azerbaijani territory under international law, has a population that is predominantly Armenian. The territory declared independence in 1991 with Yerevan’s military support. Following a short campaign by Azerbaijan to take control of the region, thousands from Nagorno-Karabakh have fled to Armenia. This incident comes amid a mass exodus of the region’s ethnic Armenians, provoked by a lightning offensive from Azerbaijan that reportedly regained full control of the breakaway region.

Given the severity of the injuries and the number of victims, it is clear that the region’s medical capacities are insufficient to handle this crisis. The rights ombudsman has appealed for air ambulances to be granted permission to land, in an effort to provide urgent medical assistance. The international community’s response to this call for aid remains to be seen.

(Read Also: Azerbaijan Declares Full Restoration of Sovereignty: Unpacking the Geopolitical Implications)

Implications for the Region

The explosion has further accentuated the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, which is already grappling with the aftermath of the recent military conflict. The mass exodus of its ethnic Armenian residents and the ensuing humanitarian crisis pose significant challenges for the region’s future stability. The international community’s response to this crisis will be crucial in determining the fate of the Nagorno-Karabakh population.

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