Satellite Images Confirm Use of Phosphorus by Azerbaijan: DFRLab Analysis

The Digital Forensic Research Lab has published an extensive article addressing Azerbaijan's use of prohibited phosphorus munitions against Artsakh during the war, noting that satellite images reveal the environmental damage caused by the use of white phosphorus in Nagorno-Karabakh.

According to Armenpress, it specifically mentions that satellite images from open sources during the last week of combat show the destruction of the environment due to Azerbaijan's use of white phosphorus munitions over the forests of Nagorno-Karabakh.

It is also noted that videos surfaced on Twitter and other social media platforms in early November, showing the application of prohibited white phosphorus munitions on territories controlled by Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. The report states that these images did not receive significant attention from international media or environmental protection organizations. However, Transparency International Armenia issued an 'Ecological Alarm' condemning the use of such weapons.

The article quotes this publication: 'The use of white phosphorus by Azerbaijani forces in these forests will not only destroy valuable ecosystems and habitats, putting certain species at risk of extinction, but will also contaminate rivers and groundwater for years, thus becoming a significant threat to the people and wildlife living in the region.'

It is mentioned that Azerbaijan denies these claims, accusing the Armenian side of using phosphorus against their controlled territories. However, the author rightly points out that there is no evidence to support this claim in open sources.

'The satellite image, however, confirms the significant damage caused by the fire in large forested areas under Armenian control, while videos of Azerbaijan's use of phosphorus munitions have surfaced. Targeting forested areas is a strategy sometimes used to push back combat operations or cause extensive environmental devastation,' the article from the Digital Forensic Research Lab states.

It is also noted that some videos were recorded by Armenian soldiers, showing white phosphorus munitions falling on defensive positions.