Artsakh Crisis Deepens: Explosion in Artsakh, Humanitarian Aid and Political Tensions Rise

Artsakh Crisis Deepens: Explosion in Artsakh, Humanitarian Aid and Political Tensions Rise

A catastrophic explosion recently rocked Artsakh, leaving a trail of devastation with 290 injuries, seven fatalities, and 13 unidentified bodies. In response to the emergency, medical assistance was quickly mobilized to the affected area. A medical team, along with essential supplies, was airlifted to Stepanakert to provide immediate aid to the victims.

Notably, the Azerbaijan government also dispatched medicines to assist the victims, and the French government signaled readiness to send emergency resources. This tragic event has stirred international attention and drawn responses from various corners of the world.

US Intervention and International Response

In the wake of the humanitarian crisis, US Congressman Chris Smith introduced a bill aimed at preventing the ethnic cleansing of Karabakh Armenians. Congressman Adam Schiff also urged the US administration to provide immediate humanitarian aid to Karabakh Armenians.

The US State Department has been actively engaged in establishing an international mission for Nagorno Karabakh. Simultaneously, the Russian Foreign Ministry indicated that Russia is taking consistent steps towards stabilizing the situation in Karabakh, highlighting the international urgency to address the crisis.

Samantha Power, the head of USAID, visited the region and underlined the deep US commitment to Armenia’s territorial integrity. She also suggested the possibility of an international presence in Nagorno Karabakh. The United Nations too, has expressed readiness to aid displaced persons from Karabakh, underlining the global concern about the situation.

The Plight of Displaced Persons

The crisis has resulted in over 13,550 forcibly displaced persons entering Armenia from Karabakh. To assist the displaced, aid collection has begun in downtown Yerevan. The USAID chief announced additional humanitarian support for those forcibly displaced from Karabakh. Armenia’s Ombudswoman also met with forcibly displaced people from Karabakh in Syunik, indicating the dire reality of the situation.

Amidst the crisis, political tensions continue to escalate. Turkey and the US have been in discussions regarding the Zangezur corridor, while the Russian Ambassador has advised the US to refrain from inflaming anti-Russian sentiments in Armenia. Turkish nationalists have called for intellectuals supporting Karabakh to be deported to Armenia, adding fuel to the fire.

However, diplomatic engagements continue, with the Russian Interior Minister’s visit to Yerevan for a joint meeting, Azerbaijan’s offer to organize visits of Karabakh Armenians to Baku, and the meeting between Armenia’s Prime Minister and Russian Minister of Internal Affairs.

Despite the crisis, a glimmer of hope shines through as the first Artsakh baby was born at the Goris Medical Center amid the ongoing emergency mode. This event serves as a potent symbol of resilience and hope in these challenging times.