The Armenian Church has appealed to the global community to protect Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), as Azerbaijani forces shelled the region under false pretenses of an “anti-terrorist operation.”
“With deep concern, we have learned that Azerbaijan, under the false pretext of an ‘anti-terrorist operation,’ has commenced large-scale military actions against Artsakh, shelling peaceful settlements and targeting the capital Stepanakert. We strongly condemn this latest hostile act by Azerbaijan and urge all international bodies to restrain the Azerbaijani authorities and respond adequately to Azerbaijan’s genocidal actions,” stated the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Earlier, Azerbaijan’s defense ministry announced the commencement of local anti-terrorism measures in Nagorno-Karabakh. The department clarified its objectives as ensuring the provisions of the trilateral statement and disarming and withdrawing Armenian troops from the territory. Yerevan, in turn, stated that Baku seeks to “complete the policy of ethnic cleansing,” emphasizing the absence of Armenian armed forces in Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia called on both parties to stop the bloodshed and return to a politico-diplomatic resolution.
Armenian media reported at least 27 fatalities during the hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh. Additionally, Azerbaijani troops reportedly shelled the suburbs of Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenian media also reported over 200 adults and 12 children wounded in Nagorno-Karabakh. In the Armenian capital, Yerevan, protests have begun demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the protection of Artsakh.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia issued a statement regarding the resumption of armed actions in Nagorno-Karabakh.
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