Nagorno-Karabakh: Azerbaijan's Aliyev declared that the operation was over

 In a major development in the long-running conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced on [insert date] that the military operation in the region has officially ended. The announcement marks a major turning point in a decades-long conflict that has escalated into all-out war in recent months. This article delves into the background of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the recent events that led to Aliyev's declaration, and the implications it may have for the region.

The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh: A historical overview

The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh has its roots in the collapse of the Soviet Union at the end of the 20th century. Nagorno-Karabakh is a landlocked region in the South Caucasus, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but inhabited mostly by ethnic Armenians. As the Soviet Union disintegrated, ethnic tensions and territorial disputes flared, leading to a war between Armenia and Azerbaijan that lasted from 1988 to 1994.

A ceasefire brokered in 1994 froze the conflict but did not lead to a comprehensive solution. Sporadic clashes and skirmishes continued over the years, keeping the region in a state of simmering tension. Negotiations brokered by the OSCE Minsk Group, co-chaired by Russia, France and the United States, tried to find a peaceful solution, but a lasting deal remained elusive.

Escalation and renewed conflict

In September 2020, the long-standing tension over Nagorno-Karabakh escalated into an all-out war. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other of initiating hostilities. The conflict has seen significant military attacks that have caused casualties on both sides and displaced thousands of civilians. The fighting has raised international concerns about escalating violence in the region.

Key events during the conflict included the use of drones, artillery and advanced weapons, which significantly changed the dynamics of the conflict. The Turkish-backed Azerbaijani army has made significant territorial gains and recaptured areas in and around Nagorno-Karabakh that had been under Armenian control since the 1990s.

Aliyev's statement on the end of the operation

On [insert date], President Ilham Aliyev announced that Azerbaijan's military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh had officially ended. He declared that Azerbaijan had achieved its goals, including regaining control over significant parts of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions. Aliyev expressed his gratitude to the Azerbaijani military and the support provided by Turkey.

Implications and challenges ahead

Aliyev's declaration raises several important questions and challenges for the future of Nagorno-Karabakh:

Humanitarian concerns: The conflict has displaced thousands of people and there are concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region. The international community must work to provide aid and support to those affected by the conflict.

Long-term solution: While the military operation may be over, fundamental issues of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, including the status of the region and the rights of its ethnic Armenian population, remain unresolved. Diplomatic efforts must continue to find a lasting solution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.

International involvement: The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has drawn regional powers including Russia and Turkey. The role of these external actors in the post-conflict scenario will be crucial in shaping the future of the region.

Reconstruction and Reconciliation: Rebuilding the war-torn region and promoting reconciliation between the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities in Nagorno-Karabakh will be a complex and challenging process that requires international support.

President Aliyev's declaration that the military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh is over is a significant development in the decades-long conflict. While this may signal a respite from imminent violence, it does not mean the end of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. The international community must remain engaged in the search for a comprehensive and lasting solution that will ensure lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus region.