Azerbaijan Has Intentions to Occupy More Territories of Armenia: Pashinyan

Following Azerbaijan's attack on September 13, the rhetoric from official Baku and other Azerbaijani sources indicates that Azerbaijan has intentions to occupy more territories of Armenia, which must be prevented. This was noted by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during his speech at the next meeting of the CIS Heads of State Council on October 14.

He specifically stated, “On September 13, Azerbaijan launched an unprovoked military aggression against Armenia. Using heavy artillery, multiple rocket launchers, and combat drones, Azerbaijani forces shelled 36 settlements and communities in Armenia’s sovereign territory, including the cities of Goris, Jermuk, Vardenis, Kapan, and the village of Geghamasar. I want to clarify that this was not a border confrontation or clash, but a direct, undeniable attack against Armenia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

This aggression by Azerbaijan has been discussed in the UN Security Council, where the majority of members condemned Azerbaijan's illegal military actions. The aggression has also been condemned by the international community.

The Azerbaijani attack has been deliberately aimed at the civilian population and vital civilian infrastructure. The total number of displaced persons from the regions of Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor, and Syunik has exceeded 7,600, primarily women and the elderly, as well as 1,437 children and 99 individuals with disabilities. About 192 residential buildings, 3 hotels, 2 schools, and 1 medical facility have been partially or completely destroyed. Seven electricity supply facilities, 5 water supply facilities, 3 gas pipelines, and 1 bridge have also been damaged. Two ambulances and 4 private vehicles were fired upon. The Kechut reservoir was also shelled.

As a result of the aggression, the number of casualties and missing persons has now surpassed 210, including 3 civilians killed and 2 missing. A total of 293 servicemen and 8 civilians have been injured. The number of missing servicemen stands at 28. The Azerbaijani side has circulated shocking videos of torture, mutilated bodies of captured or already deceased military personnel, numerous cases of extrajudicial retribution and cruel treatment of Armenian prisoners of war, murders, as well as degrading treatment of deceased bodies. The bodies of Armenian female servicemen have been mutilated with particular brutality and then filmed ‘proudly’ by Azerbaijani soldiers. These blatant war crimes and crimes against humanity videos are being distributed and receive high accolades from several Azerbaijani social media users.

Undoubtedly, the commission of such indescribable atrocities is a direct consequence of a long-standing political policy by the Azerbaijani leadership aimed at fostering hatred and animosity towards Armenians within Azerbaijani society.

Following this attack, the rhetoric from official Baku and other Azerbaijani sources indicates that Azerbaijan has intentions to occupy more territories of Armenia, which must be prevented.

I want to emphasize that the risk of new aggression from Azerbaijan remains very high, especially considering that Azerbaijan continues to systematically violate the ceasefire regime, attempting to attribute their provocative actions to the Armenian side. Another factor exacerbating the escalation may be the inadequate response from regional security organizations to the created situation, which has raised very acute questions within Armenian society.