Tragedy Strikes Amidst Exodus: Explosion at Gasoline Storage Facility in Nagorno-Karabakh Claims Lives

Tragedy Strikes Amidst Exodus: Explosion at Gasoline Storage Facility in Nagorno-Karabakh Claims Lives

A Day of Calamity Amidst a Mass Exodus

The war-ravaged region of Nagorno-Karabakh became the scene of a grave tragedy when an explosion occurred at a gasoline storage facility on the Stepanakert-Askeran road. The unfortunate incident has led to the death of seven individuals who sustained injuries during the explosion and were undergoing treatment in hospitals. This event adds to the ongoing heartbreak and turmoil experienced by the residents of this region, many of whom are in the process of fleeing their homes to escape the destructive repercussions of war.

The Explosion: A Detailed Account

The explosion transpired at a time when thousands of ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh were fleeing their homes following a successful military offensive by Azerbaijan to regain control of the disputed region. The gasoline storage facility, situated near the Stepanakert-Askeran highway, was being used by these refugees to fuel their vehicles amidst the exodus. The explosion resulted in a large fire, causing severe injuries to over 200 people, with many in critical condition.

(Read Also: Explosion at Nagorno-Karabakh Fuel Depot Claims 20 Lives and Leaves Hundreds Injured)

Azerbaijan’s Military Offensive and its Aftermath

The recent military offensive by Azerbaijan, which resulted in the retake of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, has been a significant factor influencing the current exodus. The brief yet bloody offensive led to the death of over 200 people, forcing the officials of Karabakh to agree to a ceasefire brokered by Russia. In the agreement, they consented to dissolve their armed forces. The offensive, although short-lived, has had profound and lasting effects, sparking a mass migration of the region’s 120,000 ethnic Armenians.

The Exodus: A Heart-wrenching Scenario

With Azerbaijan claiming full control of the breakaway region, a significant portion of the Armenian population has chosen to leave their homes and flee to Armenia. Many have expressed their unwillingness to live under Azerbaijani rule despite the latter’s assurance of guaranteeing the rights of those living in the region. The risk of ethnic cleansing of Armenians in the enclave has been a major concern voiced by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and international experts.

(Read Also: Explosion at Nagorno-Karabakh Fuel Depot: A Tragic Blow Amidst Ongoing Conflict)

The Plight of the Refugees

The refugees, predominantly women, children, and the elderly, are faced with the daunting task of deciding what to take with them as they leave their homes. With shortages of food, medicine, and fuel due to the nine-month-long blockade by Azerbaijan, the journey is fraught with difficulties. Many refugees have reportedly been stuck for hours on the road due to heavy traffic, with thousands attempting to flee. The explosion at the gasoline storage facility, where people were trying to fuel their vehicles, has only added to their plight.

International Reactions and Humanitarian Crisis

The international community has expressed deep concern over the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Despite the ceasefire, the humanitarian crisis in the region continues to escalate. The head of USAID, Samantha Power, landed in Armenia to reiterate the U.S.’s strong support and partnership with Armenia and to directly interact with those affected by the crisis. While Azerbaijan has expressed its intention to reintegrate the Armenian population, no concrete plan has been presented for safeguarding their rights or for their resettlement, causing further anxiety among the refugees.

A Cry for Peace amidst Turmoil

As the region of Nagorno-Karabakh grapples with the aftermath of war and a humanitarian crisis, the need for peace and stability has never been more paramount. The explosion at the gasoline storage facility serves as a grim reminder of the dire consequences of conflict and the urgent need for comprehensive peacebuilding efforts.

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