Mass Exodus of Ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh

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In a stark and dramatic turn of events, Nagorno-Karabakh, the breakaway region recently reclaimed by Azerbaijan, has witnessed a mass exodus of its ethnic Armenian population. This wave of displacement has seen more than half of the region’s 120,000 inhabitants fleeing to neighboring Armenia, with the influx showing no signs of abating, as confirmed by Armenian authorities.

The visuals tell a harrowing tale of families on the move. The lone road leading to Armenia has become clogged with vehicles, resulting in a colossal traffic jam. Lines of cars, laden with personal belongings, wind their way slowly through the rugged mountain terrain.

The journey to safety is arduous, with one student reporting that it took a grueling three days to cover the approximately 50-mile (80-kilometer) distance from the regional capital, Stepanakert, to Armenia. This exodus is driven by profound fears among Nagorno-Karabakh’s residents, who harbor concerns about potential reprisals in the wake of recent developments.

The backdrop to this crisis is a bitter and protracted conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, spanning three decades. Accusations of targeted attacks, massacres, and other grave atrocities have fomented deep-seated suspicions and profound fear on both sides. It’s crucial to note that Nagorno-Karabakh, though predominantly populated by ethnic Armenians, was internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan’s sovereign territory.

The recent lightning offensive launched by Azerbaijan, coupled with their demand for the disarmament of Armenian troops in Nagorno-Karabakh and the dissolution of the separatist government, has precipitated this humanitarian crisis.

The images accompanying this unfolding tragedy are haunting. Ethnic Armenian women, men, and children, often carrying their most cherished possessions, are captured in moments of distress, resilience, and determination as they seek refuge in Armenia. The international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift resolution to this dire situation and the safe return of these displaced individuals to their homes.

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More about Exodus

• Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
• Azerbaijan’s Military Offensive
• Ethnic Armenians Fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh
• Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict Timeline
• Territorial Disputes in Nagorno-Karabakh
• Armenia-Azerbaijan Relations