Azerbaijan Must Be Held Accountable for Aggressive Actions Against the Armenian People, Says Jim Costa

Azerbaijan must be held accountable for aggressive actions against the Armenian people, U.S. Congressman Jim Costa stated on his Twitter page.

"The imposition of sanctions on key officials is a crucial first step to demonstrate that these gross violations of internationally recognized human rights have consequences. I have sent a letter to Secretary Pompeo urging the application of sanctions against Azerbaijan for human rights violations and to sign a resolution recognizing the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination," the congressman wrote, emphasizing that he will continue to advocate for the interests of the Armenian people.

It is noteworthy that on September 27, Azerbaijan's armed forces launched a large-scale attack in Artsakh, targeting also the civilian population. As of October 23, the Artsakh defense forces have shot down 16 helicopters, 23 airplanes, 202 drones, and destroyed 580 units of armored vehicles, mainly tanks, along with 86 trucks, 10 armored personnel carriers, 4 TOS-1A heavy flamethrower systems, 4 Smerch, and 1 Uragan multiple launch rocket system.

The enemy has suffered more than 6459 casualties. On the Armenian side, preliminary data indicates there are 927 casualties. Azerbaijani armed forces have also targeted the military and civilian infrastructure of Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia, resulting in the death of 2 civilians in Gegharkunik, 36 civilians in Artsakh, and injuries to 115 civilians. Preliminary estimates show that over 6700 private properties and infrastructure, public and production facilities, have been severely damaged, along with more than 640 vehicles.

Journalists from both foreign and local media have been injured as a result of Azerbaijani shelling.

A state of war was declared in Armenia and Artsakh starting September 27. Humanitarian ceasefires have been declared twice already; however, the Azerbaijani armed forces have carried out diversionary actions and shelled peaceful areas in Artsakh.