Azerbaijan's Road Projects Will Allow for Encirclement of Russian Peacekeeping Mission, D. Babayan

Azerbaijan is establishing a military-political platform under the guise of "restoration" of the occupied territories of Nagorno-Karabakh, according to David Babayan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh. He commented on the recent reports about road construction in the occupied region in response to a request from a NEWS.am correspondent.

“What is currently happening in Karabakh should be viewed from different perspectives, but the most important thing is that everything occurring has a geopolitical subtext. Moreover, it is not so much local, directed against Artsakh and Armenia, but rather regional and to some extent global, pursuing objectives beyond the borders of the South Caucasus and into adjacent geopolitical areas. We see the establishment of a transport infrastructure with imperial ambitions. Furthermore, the timing is very convenient, framing the "restoration of occupied lands" from the so-called 'Armenian barbarism', and so on. In reality, we see that the foundation is being laid for future offensive policies by Turkey and Azerbaijan.

They are creating a widespread network of roads and tunnels that will allow for the rapid deployment of a large number of troops near the Iranian border, as well as encircle the Russian peacekeeping forces. Turkey's greatest presence in Azerbaijan is in Nakhchivan and Ganja. The goal is to connect these regions with the Araz River. Large-scale transport projects are dedicated to this.

In the case of constructing a tunnel under the Murov mountain, Azerbaijan will manage to solve several challenges. First, a tunnel could be built parallel to the transport tunnel for discharging the waters of the Tartar River. This tunnel would enable the rapid deployment of a significant number of troops from Ganja towards the Iranian border, thus encircling the Russian peacekeeping forces. Naturally, along with Artsakh. Meanwhile, Armenia would be completely blockaded. This would allow for the resolution of offensive matters against Iran, deploying troops discreetly. There are similar offensive projects in other occupied territories of Artsakh—an expanded network of roads, and far-reaching objectives. Understanding what is happening will allow us to be prepared and respond,” noted David Babayan.