Mass Exodus from Nagorno-Karabakh as Thousands Flee to Armenia
Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed region between Azerbaijan and Armenia, has witnessed a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians following a lightning offensive launched by Azerbaijan. Thousands of people, including Nonna Poghosyan and her family, are desperately fleeing the area for Armenia, leaving behind their homes and belongings.
Poghosyan, an American University of Armenia program coordinator in Nagorno-Karabakh’s capital Stepanakert, spoke with CNN about the difficult decision of what to take and what to leave behind. Her nine-year-old twin children were heartbroken to leave their toys behind, crying for every cherished possession.
The Armenian foreign ministry reported that more than 6,500 people had already arrived in Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh by Monday afternoon. However, as more people attempted to flee the enclave, reports emerged of a “very powerful” explosion at a gas station near Stepanakert. The explosion occurred as people rushed to gather fuel before making their way to Armenia, leaving the situation uncertain and potentially dangerous.
Azerbaijan launched the offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, resulting in the deaths of over 200 people and injuries to many more. Karabakh officials eventually agreed to a Russia-brokered ceasefire, leading to the dissolution of their armed forces. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev claimed that his country had restored sovereignty over the breakaway region “with an iron fist.”
Despite Azerbaijan’s promises to guarantee the rights of those remaining in Nagorno-Karabakh, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and international experts have expressed concerns about potential ethnic cleansing of Armenians. David Babayan, an adviser to the President of the self-styled Republic of Artsakh, stated that almost all Karabakh Armenians prefer leaving the historic lands and living in Armenia.
The situation is dire, with Poghosyan stating that she does not know a single family planning to remain in Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan’s ultimatum requires Karabakh Armenians to accept Azerbaijani citizenship if they choose to stay, and those who refuse must leave the region. Analysts warn that Azerbaijan may resort to force against those who reject Baku’s rule but refuse to leave.
In the aftermath of Azerbaijan’s military operations, search and rescue efforts have recovered over 100 bodies, including those of two children and an elderly couple. However, the claims have not been independently verified by CNN.
Nagorno-Karabakh’s residents have been seen on social media packing their belongings and searching for gas as they attempt to leave Stepanakert. The region had been blockaded by Azerbaijan-backed activists for nine months, leading to severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel.
The majority of those fleeing from Nagorno-Karabakh are women, children, and the elderly. However, the limited opening of the road connecting the enclave to Armenia has allowed people to escape, albeit under the possibility of long delays due to heavy traffic.
Nonna Poghosyan and her family, like many others, are preparing to leave Nagorno-Karabakh. They plan to depart on Tuesday, but the heavy traffic on the road is causing concerns and potentially prolonged delays. Poghosyan’s children have already said their goodbyes to their home, leaving messages on their bedroom walls expressing their love for Nagorno-Karabakh.
The Armenian government is providing accommodation for those who have nowhere else to go. However, the situation remains grim, and Poghosyan believes that within two weeks, no Armenians will be left in Nagorno-Karabakh.
As the crisis unfolds, the fate of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh hangs in the balance, with the international community closely monitoring the situation to prevent further bloodshed and ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by the conflict.