In a tragic turn of events, a fuel depot in Azerbaijan’s Nagorno-Karabakh region exploded, leading to the death of 20 individuals. The incident, which occurred near the Stepanakert-Askera highway in Berkadzor, has also injured hundreds, according to local Armenian authorities.
The explosion’s aftermath saw almost 300 injured individuals rushed to local hospitals. Among these, a significant number are reported to be in critical condition. However, what led to this catastrophic event on Monday evening remains uncertain.
Gegham Stepanyan, the Human Rights Ombudsman, conveyed his distress on social media. Highlighting the overwhelming number of injuries, Stepanyan emphasized that the medical facilities in Nagorno-Karabakh are currently overstretched and inadequate to manage the current crisis.
In addition to the tragic loss of life from the explosion, 13 bodies were found unidentified at the incident site. Another seven succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
This event compounds the already escalating humanitarian crisis in the area. Following Azerbaijan’s recent takeover of Nagorno-Karabakh, thousands have evacuated, seeking refuge after the Armenian government in Yerevan disclosed relocation plans for those affected by the ongoing conflict.
The disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, has been predominantly inhabited by ethnic Armenians. The recent events have raised concerns regarding the future of these residents, especially with Armenia’s Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, warning of potential ethnic cleansing.
Amid these claims, Azerbaijan expresses intentions to reintegrate ethnic Armenians as “equal citizens.” However, firsthand accounts from refugees provide a harrowing narrative. The BBC interviewed refugees in the city of Goris, Armenia. One man lamented, “I gave my whole life to my homeland,” wishing death over the current turmoil. Another refugee, Veronica, recalls this as her second displacement, the first being during the 2020 conflict.
Diplomatic discussions between Armenia and Azerbaijan are scheduled in Brussels, supported by the European Union. This dialogue, the first since Azerbaijan’s recent acquisition of the enclave, will feature national security advisors from both nations representing their interests.
The international community watches closely, as Nagorno-Karabakh remains a sensitive geopolitical region. Supported by Armenia and its ally, Russia, the region has witnessed significant military presence. Last week’s events saw the death of five Russian peacekeepers, alongside numerous ethnic Armenians and Azerbaijani soldiers, following the Azerbaijani military’s advancement.
Concerns mount for the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh. Despite Azerbaijan’s reassurances, the only aid seen so far is a solitary delivery of 70 tonnes of food. With many lacking essential resources, the international community is called upon to aid and mediate during these testing times.
