Stabilizing Karabakh: Azerbaijan’s Ongoing Disarmament Efforts

Stabilizing Karabakh: Azerbaijan’s Ongoing Disarmament Efforts

Contextualizing the Conflict

The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, predominantly Armenian but internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, has been a point of constant tension since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The territorial dispute led to two wars, the latest in 2020, with the region declaring itself the independent Republic of Artsakh in 1991, a status not recognized by the global community.

In 2020, a ceasefire agreement was brokered by Russia, resulting in Armenia ceding territory in and around Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan. Despite the presence of 2,000 Russian peacekeepers, regular armed skirmishes continued on the border, casting doubts on the effectiveness of the ceasefire agreement. The recent disarmament efforts by Azerbaijan’s security agencies come as part of an attempt to stabilize the region.

Azerbaijan’s Disarmament Operation

Following the completion of their counter-terrorism operation, Azerbaijan’s security agencies have been actively disarming Armenian formations in Karabakh. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic has reported that 22 units of armored vehicles and 47 artillery guns have been seized. This disarmament and seizure of military equipment form part of Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts to stabilize the region after the major operation.

The disarmament operation was launched after reports of the death of four soldiers and two civilians, leading to Azerbaijan’s efforts to reassert control over Nagorno-Karabakh. The Armenian separatists, who have predominantly governed the disputed territory since 1994, agreed to surrender their weapons following this operation, indicating their openness to talks on reintegrating the secessionist territory into Azerbaijan.

(Read Also: Azerbaijan Sends Humanitarian Aid to Nagorno-Karabakh Despite Ongoing Conflict)

Reactions and Implications

This disarmament operation is seen as a decisive victory for Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, who has made the reunification of his country a priority. The seizure of military equipment and the acceptance of disarmament by the Armenian separatists indicates a shift in power dynamics in the region.

Furthermore, the situation has been influenced by the changing geopolitical dynamics of the Caucasus. Azerbaijan, backed by Turkey, has capitalized on Moscow’s waning influence in the region and its preoccupation with the conflict in Ukraine. This turn of events has allowed Azerbaijan to press forward with its objectives in Nagorno-Karabakh.

(Read Also: Turkish-Azerbaijani Bonds Strengthened: Analyzing Erdogan’s Recent Visit)

Looking Ahead

With the disarmament operation underway, efforts are being made to ensure the stability and security of the region. The situation, however, remains complex, with the future of Nagorno-Karabakh still uncertain. The role of international players, primarily Russia, and the reactions of Armenia and Azerbaijan to the evolving situation, will undoubtedly shape the future of this disputed territory.

The disarmament operation by Azerbaijan’s security agencies signifies a crucial step towards the stabilization of the Nagorno-Karabakh region. However, it also underscores the need for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the territorial dispute that respects the rights and aspirations of all parties involved.

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