VIDEO: "We Plant a Tree in Every Crater Made by Shells, It's a Tradition"

Azerbaijan is using forbidden weapons, specifically white phosphorus. The Ministry of Environment and 50 civil society organizations have appealed to international bodies regarding this matter. In response, the government released a video showing how the enemy is attacking the territory of Artsakh with white phosphorus weapons and setting forests on fire.

The adversary's use of chemical elements, likely in the form of white phosphorus munitions, has drawn attention. Rafael Panjoyan, head of the Chemical Safety Department of the Armed Forces, notes, "White phosphorus can reach up to 1300 degrees after self-ignition, and while burning, it produces thick smoke and has asphyxiating effects." Military operations do not allow for extensive studies on the ground, but delays cannot be afforded either. In this regard, human rights defenders from Armenia and Artsakh have jointly prepared a report.

Irina Ghaplanyan, Deputy Minister of Environment, stated that 1800 hectares of forest areas have already burned. "We already have enormous damage inflicted on the environment. According to Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, this can be considered a war crime," she added. The Ministry of Environment and 50 civil society organizations have called upon international bodies, labeling the incidents as ecocide.

It has been noted that white phosphorus could lead to a regional ecological disaster. It possesses accumulation properties, remains in the soil, contaminates underground waters, fills rivers, and enters living organisms. Thus, it appears that Azerbaijan seeks to eradicate not only the Armenians of Artsakh but also the nature itself.

“In every crater made by shells, we plant a tree; it’s a tradition,” says one of the soldiers.