Azerbaijanis once more obstruct the route to Karabakh

The Lachin Corridor, the sole road linking Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh, has once again become a flashpoint for tension as Azerbaijani protesters blocked the route, calling attention to what they claim is illegal mining and mineral transportation to Armenia.[1]

This recent standoff, taking place on December 12, marks the second time traffic on the corridor has been disrupted in just over a week. The Lachin Corridor dispute holds significant repercussions not only for the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh but also for the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region.[2][3]

The protesters, hailing from government-linked environmental organizations, began their demonstration at around 10:30 am on December 12 near Shusha. Their signs read "Illegal Excavation is a War Crime" and "Exploitation of Mineral Deposits=Money Laundering."[1]

As the day wore on, Azerbaijani news media documented altercations between the protesters and Russian peacekeeping troops. One Russian soldier allegedly knocked away an Azerbaijani journalist's microphone, and another was reported to have hit a car belonging to the news website Report.az with the butt of his rifle. Azerbaijani soldiers were also present, attempting to persuade the peacekeepers to allow a media vehicle passage.[1]

The demonstrators refused to disclose who they represented, but evidence suggested an official hand in the events. One protester revealed that the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources provided tents for them. Some protesters wore jackets from AzerSu, the state water company, and a pro-government writer was amongst the crowd.[1]

By nightfall, the protesters remained undeterred, erecting tents and starting a bonfire, hinting at an prolonged blockade.[1]

For the ethnic Armenian residents of Nagorno-Karabakh, whose livelihood relies on the Lachin Corridor for access to the outside world, the disrupted traffic caused hours-long queues of cars.[1] Local police established checkpoints near Stepanakert to prevent Armenian residents from reaching the protest site and potential confrontations.[1]

As the sun set, residents gathered in Stepanakert, discussing their next course of action.[1]

The previous disruption of the Lachin Corridor occurred on December 3, when Azerbaijani government workers clashed with Russian peacekeepers, leading to a temporary blockade that lasted for several hours.[1] Azerbaijani officials have since claimed to have reached an agreement with the Russian peacekeepers to allow officials into the Russian-controlled sector of Karabakh for environmental monitoring discussions.[1]

On December 10, Azerbaijanis tried to visit a disputed mine in Karabakh, but they were blocked by local residents, and the de facto authorities reported the incident.[1] Azerbaijan's foreign ministry released statements of protest to their Russian counterparts, accusing the peacekeeping mission of hindering the visit.[1]

Karabakh's de facto leader, Arayik Harutyunyan, condemned Azerbaijan's tactics as causing panic among the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and aimed at intimidation, creating unrest, and stymying the work of the Russian peacekeeping mission.[1]

The standoff comes as Azerbaijan seeks to pressure the Armenian government into signing a peace agreement, aiming to neutralize Russia and secure maximal concessions on Nagorno-Karabakh and other issues.[4]

Moreover, Turkey—a strong supporter of Azerbaijan—may become increasingly involved as tensions escalate. Turkey's actions could either balance Russian influence or alter the geopolitical landscape in the Caucasus, given its growing rivalry with Russia.[3]

Russia, with its historical mediation role and strategic interests in the Caucasus, faces challenges in maintaining peace and stability in the region amidst Azerbaijan's persistence.[2] The Lachin Corridor dispute is a critical issue with far-reaching implications that should not be underestimated, given the potential consequences for regional stability and the involvement of external actors such as Russia and Turkey.

The Lachin Corridor dispute, with its geopolitical implications, has been a source of tension, particularly with the recent standoff on December 12.
The protesters, backed by government-linked environmental organizations, demanded an end to illegal mining and mineral transportation from the corridor to Armenia.
The ongoing standoff has caused controversy, with altercations between the protesters and Russian peacekeeping troops being documented by Azerbaijani news media.
The de facto leader of Nagorno-Karabakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, criticized Azerbaijan's tactics as aimed at creating unrest and stymying the work of the Russian peacekeeping mission.
Azerbaijan's tactics appear to be part of a larger strategy to pressure the Armenian government into signing a peace agreement, aiming to neutralize Russia and secure maximal concessions on Nagorno-Karabakh and other issues.
Turkey, a strong supporter of Azerbaijan, may increase its involvement as tensions escalate, potentially balancing Russian influence or altering the geopolitical landscape in the Caucasus.
Russia, with its historical mediation role and strategic interests in the Caucasus, faces challenges in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The ongoing standoff at the Lachin Corridor highlights the critical nature of this issue, with far-reaching implications for regional stability and the involvement of external actors such as Russia and Turkey.