Breaking: UN Rapidly Deploys Mission as Exodus Surpasses 100,000 in Nagorno-Karabakh

The United Nations will be dispatching a mission to Nagorno-Karabakh this weekend, marking their first entry into the contested region in approximately three decades. It comes in response to reports indicating that almost 80 percent of the population has been forced to flee from their homes. This development follows Azerbaijan's recent "anti-terror" operation in the Armenian-held territory, resulting in a rapid 24-hour assault that claimed the lives of at least 200 individuals and left another 400 wounded.

Concerns about the future of the region, which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but has been under the control of Armenian separatists for many years, and its residents persist despite a ceasefire mediated by Russia.

Following the Azerbaijani victory last week, there has been a significant exodus of ethnic Armenians residing in the breakaway region, signaling the conclusion of a long-standing conflict. Additionally, there is now a possibility that centuries of Armenian presence in the region may come to an end, as their president has issued a decree dissolving state institutions in the wake of their defeat.

According to Armenian state media, approximately 98,000 individuals had departed from Nagorno-Karabakh for Armenia by 6pm local time on Friday. This figure, as reported by the prime minister's spokesperson Nazeli Baghdasaryan, represents roughly 80 percent of the estimated population of 120,000 residing in the ethnic Armenian enclave.

During a press briefing on Friday, Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated that Azerbaijan has agreed to allow the mission's visit, which will take place over the weekend. Dujarric emphasized the significance of gaining access to the area after a 30-year absence, stating, "It is crucial that we are able to enter."

"While present, the team will evaluate the situation on-site and ascertain the humanitarian requirements for both stationary individuals and those in transit," stated the spokesperson.

Vehicles carrying refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh head toward the Armenian border on September 25, 2023.

David Ghahramanyan/Reuters

Fears of punitive actions

In response to the significant departure of individuals, the Armenian authorities have summoned the International Court of Justice, which serves as a legal branch of the United Nations, to intervene and demand that Azerbaijan remove its military forces. This action is prompted by concerns of potential retaliatory measures.

The Armenian authorities demanded that Azerbaijan be court-ordered to withdraw all military and law-enforcement personnel from civilian establishments in Nagorno-Karabakh. They also asked for Azerbaijan to refrain from any actions, directly or indirectly, that would displace the ethnic Armenians who remain or prevent those who fled from returning. Additionally, Azerbaijan should permit individuals to freely leave the region if they so desire.

Armenia has requested that the court instruct Azerbaijan to allow the UN and the Red Cross to have access to Nagorno-Karabakh. The Armenian authorities have advised Azerbaijan to avoid any punitive measures against the current or past political representatives or military personnel of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Commanders detained

The appeal is in response to the news reported by Azerbaijani state media on Friday, stating that the security services in the country have apprehended two former commanders of the self-proclaimed military forces of the "Republic of Artsakhs."

Loven Mnatsakanyan and Davit Manukyan were apprehended when they tried to cross the Lachin Corridor, the sole roadway linking Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia. State media reported that Mnatsakanyan, said to have served as defense minister between 2015 and 2018, was arrested on Friday and transported to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. He was charged with unauthorized entry into Azerbaijan.

Manukyan, who allegedly held the position of the deputy commander of Nagorno-Karbakhs armed forces, was arrested on Wednesday, according to Azerbaijani state media.

He was charged with terrorism, organizing illicit armed factions, unlawfully possessing a firearm, and illegally entering Azerbaijan. However, no evidence was presented to substantiate these allegations.

CNN could not independently verify the video published by Azerbaijan's State Security Service, which shows Manukyan in Azerbaijani detention.

The arrests were announced following the indictment of Ruben Vardanyan, a well-known politician and businessman from Nagorno-Karabakh. He was detained while attempting to cross into Armenia and faces multiple charges in Azerbaijan, according to state media citing the Azerbaijani State Security Service.

The content fragment

According to state media, Vardanyan, who was a Minister of State in the self-proclaimed republic, is facing accusations of financing terrorism, involvement in the formation and activities of illegal armed groups, and unlawful border crossing into Azerbaijan. However, Azerbaijan has not provided any evidence to substantiate these allegations.

This Thursday, David Babayan, a local politician and adviser to Samvel Shahramanyan, the president of the self-declared "Republic of Artsakh," announced on Telegram his intention to surrender to Azerbaijan.

Babayan expressed that he cannot afford to let his absence or potential escape, both of which would result in significant damage to our enduring nation and numerous individuals. As an individual of integrity, diligence, loyalty, and faith, he firmly believes that this cannot be permitted.