Second Day of Obstruction in Nagorno-Karabakh Region
In Nagorno-Karabakh, a region primarily inhabited by ethnic Armenians, a blockade orchestrated by Azerbaijan has been in place for two consecutive days, causing a catastrophic disruption in the supply of food, medical supplies, and other essentials. This blockade, which started on December 12, has left residents in a dire predicament, with the region's human rights ombudsman, Gegham Stepanyan, condemning the act as nothing short of criminal.
The blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Karabakh to the outside world, was initiated by a group of Azerbaijanis affiliated with government-backed environmental organizations. They claimed the move was triggered by illegal mining practices in the territory. Despite the presence of Russian peacekeeping soldiers, efforts to reopen the route have been unsuccessful.
The repercussions of this blockade have been severe, with some settlements along the corridor cut off not just from Karabakh but also from Armenia. As a result, food supplies, particularly bread and flour, have become scarce, while energy deliveries have also been affected. The gas disruption has even forced schools to temporarily shut down due to energy conservation needs.
Moreover, the blockade has had disastrous consequences on the health sector, with several cases of residents suffering from serious medical conditions unable to receive timely hospital care. Over a thousand Karabakh residents, including hundreds of children, have been stranded in Armenia, unable to return home.
Addressing residents on Facebook, the territory's new state minister, Ruben Vardanyan, urged people to conserve resources due to the gas cutoff. However, he reassured the residents that they are prepared to face the crisis and will use the airport for humanitarian purposes if necessary.
The territory's leadership has had to contemplate emergency measures, but the potential extremity of the situation remains uncertain. In the past, Azerbaijan has employed various pressure tactics on the region, aiming to regain control lost during the 1990s war. The blockade on Nagorno-Karabakh represents the most significant pressure yet exerted on the civilian population.
Global bodies, including the EU, have expressed grave concerns about the situation, urging Azerbaijan to ensure freedom and security of movement along the Lachin corridor. They have emphasized that restrictions threaten the well-being of the local population and raise humanitarian concerns.
While Azerbaijani authorities have maintained that the blockade is a response to environmental issues, critics have labeled it as a pretext for hostile actions. The protest slogans that have surfaced during the blockade have grown increasingly nationalist, with chants like "Karabakh is Azerbaijan!" and displays of the Turkish nationalist Gray Wolves hand gesture. Additionally, it has been reported that some national sports federations have joined the protests, further inflaming tensions.
The European Union and other international actors have appealed for intervention to prevent the situation from deteriorating any further. The ongoing tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and volatility in the region, which have persisted for decades.
- The blockade, stemming from environmental concerns, has led to a severe shortage of food supplies in Nagorno-Karabakh, specifically affecting the availability of bread and flour.
- The shutdown of schools in the region is a direct result of the energy crisis caused by the disrupted gas deliveries due to the blockade.
- The health sector in Nagorno-Karabakh is facing dire consequences as residents suffering from serious medical conditions are unable to receive timely hospital care.
- The European Union and other international actors have criticized the blockade, claiming that it threatens the well-being of the local population and raises humanitarian concerns.
- In addition to Azerbaijani citizens, national sports federations have also joined the protests in Nagorno-Karabakh, further escalating tensions in the region.
