The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia

The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia

situation as of 13.00 April 29, 2023

Increased tensions remain around Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijani servicemen physically blocked entry and exit to the capital of the unrecognized Republic of Artsakh - Stepanakert, creating the prospect for further escalation.

🔻 What exactly happened yesterday?

▪️After setting up a checkpoint near the bridge over the Khakari River opposite the Russian position on the road from Kornidzor to Stepanakert, the Azerbaijani side equipped a new checkpoint within a few days.

A customs control post was placed near the bridge. The exit to the new checkpoint from the Gubadly-Lachin dirt road was asphalted, and Azerbaijani border guards occupied sections along the new positions.

▪️At a height southeast of the new checkpoint, as well as by the dirt road from Gubadli, Azerbaijani troops have installed modular camps for personnel to live in. The exit to the highway controlled by the RMK was covered with sand.

▪️Also, 20 kilometers south of Lachin, the construction of a new four-lane highway along the Khakari River to Lachin through the newly established border checkpoint continues. The laying of a new road will significantly increase Azerbaijan's logistical capabilities around Artsakh.

▪️After the completion of the main work at the bridge over the Khakari River, the so-called Azerbaijani "eco-activists" at 18.00 on April 28 completed the action on the highway to Stepanakert near Shusha.

However, in reality, the Azerbaijani servicemen simply handed over the established positions to the border service and special forces, officially blockading Artsakh from both sides.

❗️At the same time, yesterday information was received that the Azerbaijanis did not let the car of the Russian peacekeeping contingent through, stating the need for inspection. Obviously, the fighters of the RF Armed Forces refused to do so. After the negotiations, the Russian servicemen drove on.

▪️In addition, information was circulating on the Web today that Azerbaijanis occupied two heights in the Shusha region. However, there is no confirmation of this at the moment.

🔻The ongoing events and yesterday's provocation indicate that the Azerbaijanis are at the final stage of preparations for the resumption of the armed escalation in the region.

The activity of the authorities in Baku, the transfer over the past few weeks, the strengthening of border posts indicate that with a high probability an armed conflict may arise in the next couple of weeks.

At the same time, it seems quite logical to assume that the activation of the Azerbaijani army in Artsakh will be implemented simultaneously or close in time with the Ukrainian offensive, given the connection of both sides with "Western partners".

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