Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds in Artsakh Amidst Explosions and Displacement: International Responses and Joint Commitments

Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds in Artsakh Amidst Explosions and Displacement: International Responses and Joint Commitments

In the midst of an ongoing emergency, the first Artsakh baby was born at the Goris Medical Center. However, the region was soon marred by a disastrous explosion, causing severe casualties. The incident resulted in 290 injuries, seven fatalities, and 13 unidentified bodies. Medical teams hurriedly dispatched to Stepanakert, the heart of the crisis, to provide much-needed aid to the victims. The crisis escalated further as more people fled the region, with as many as 13,550 forcibly displaced persons entering Armenia from Karabakh.

Azerbaijan’s Response and the Armenian Ministry’s Statement

Responding to the humanitarian crisis, Azerbaijan dispatched medicines to help the victims in Stepanakert. The Armenian Ministry of Health, however, stated that the transportation of victims was impeded by nightfall and poor weather conditions. In light of the unfolding events, Senator Gary Peters expressed his concern over the humanitarian crisis during a meeting with the Armenian Deputy FM.

The Armenian Ombudsman met with forcibly displaced people from Karabakh in Syunik, where they were presumably seeking refuge. The Ombudsman of Karabakh raised alarms about the escalating health crisis, stating that the number of injured from the explosion exceeded 200, and medical aviation was urgently needed. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan extended an offer to organize visits for Karabakh Armenians to Baku.

(Read Also: A Mass Exodus: Thousands Flee Nagorno-Karabakh Amid Tensions)

US Involvement and Other International Responses

The US State Department announced its intentions to establish an international mission for Nagorno Karabakh. The USAID Administrator expressed a belief that the region could greatly benefit from peace. In the US legislative sphere, Congressman Chris Smith introduced a bill aimed at preventing the ethnic cleansing of Karabakh Armenians. Congressman Adam Schiff also made calls for the US administration to immediately dispatch humanitarian aid to Karabakh Armenians.

Further escalating the situation, a fuel tank exploded near Stepanakert, leading to additional casualties and injuries. The Republican Medical Center was thrown into emergency mode due to the explosion. The Russian peacekeeping contingent’s doctors provided assistance to those injured in the explosion.

(Read Also: Azerbaijan Proposes Joint Azerbaijani-Armenian Hospitals in Karabakh: A Step Towards Healing and Reconciliation)

Joint Programs and Commitments

The Armenian PM Pashinyan and the Russian Minister of Internal Affairs discussed joint programs in the midst of the crisis. Samantha Power from the USAID stated that President Biden sent her to emphasize the US’s deep commitment to Armenia’s territorial integrity.

In other news, NASA delivered soil samples from asteroid Bennu to Earth in a unique mission. The Armenian national debt escalated to more than 11 billion as of June 30. The Askeran Mayor reported numerous casualties among the military, adding to the overall grim situation.

Read More