Armenia, Azerbaijan locked in fighting in Nagorno-karabakh

DPA,27TH SEPTEMBER, 2020 - Armenia and Azerbaijan on Sunday reported destruction and casualties from heavy clashes in the disputed Nagorno-karabakh region as international calls for a cessation of military action mount.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan imposed martial law following reports by both militaries of deadly fighting in the disputed region in the southern Caucasus between neighbouring Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Fighting is ongoing with both sides giving conflicting reports of events.

Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister Zakir Hasanov told Azerbaijani media the country had taken back control over seven villages in the region, liberating them from Armenian occupation.

This claim was refuted by the authorities in Nagornokarabakh as an “absolute lie”, who insisted that they were in control of the situation.

Nagorno-karabakh authorities earlier said the region’s capital Stepanakert had been shelled and urged residents to get to safety. Numerous houses in villages have been destroyed, with injuries reported. Videos showed smoke rising over the city and tanks in the streets.

According to officials in Stepanakert, 10 soldiers from Nagorno-karabakh were killed. Azerbaijan also reported fatalities and injuries among its troops.

The disputed region has also declared a state of war, agencies said, with all able residents aged 18 and older to prepare for action.