(VOVWORLD) - Armenian and Azerbaijani armies fought a large-scale battle in the Nagorno-Karabakh region on Sunday, using large-caliber weapons, mortars, artillery, and jet fighters. Observers say if the dispute between the two former Soviet republics is not promptly ended, it could spiral out of control.
 The Nagorno-Karabakh war re-erupted on Sunday. (photo: vtc.vn) |
The Nagorno-Karabakh war re-erupted when the two countries accused each other of launching an attack in the disputed area. Air strikes and mortar exchanges caused heavy losses for both sides.
The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense released a statement Monday saying it had killed 550 Armenian soldiers and destroyed 22 tanks and other heavy armored vehicles, 15 anti-aircraft missile systems, 18 drones, eight artillery installations, and three ammunition depots of Armenia.
Armenian officials denied the reports, saying it lost 16 soldiers, with about 100 injured. The Armenian Defense Ministry said the Azerbaijani army had lost roughly 200 soldiers, as well as 30 tanks and 20 drones.
Both armies published videos and photos of the attack to prove the losses of the other side.
Fierce fighting escalates
Analysts say Sunday's fighting with heavy weapons along the line of control was much more serious than the clashes in July. Both sides have shown a determination which could worsen the situation.
 Fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan has broken out around the separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh. (photo: AP) |
Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have blamed the other of involving foreign forces in the dispute. Armenia said Turkey has sent 4,000 fighters from northern Syria to back the Azerbaijan army. Azerbaijan officials denied the claim and encountered that the Armenian army has brought in mercenaries from Syria and other Middle Eastern countries. Neither side has provided evidence to prove their claim.
Armenian Ambassador to Russia Vardan Toghanyan warned Monday that Armenia will mobilize Iskander ballistic missiles if Turkey sends F-16 fighters to Nagorno-Karabakh to help Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov immediately responded that Azerbaijan will take countermeasures if Armenia uses Iskander ballistic missiles.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey stands with Azerbaijan in the war with Armenia.
International concern
Many countries have called for restraint. Russian President Vladimia Putin on Sunday called on both Armenia and Azerbaijan to end the fighting. US President Donald Trump said Sunday that the US is looking into what can be done to stop the violence between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The EU has warned that tension in Nagorny-Karabakh could have serious consequences for regional stability and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, de-escalation and strict observance of the cease-fire.
The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting today on developments in Nagorno-Karabakh. Germany and France requested the meeting, and other European council members – Belgium, Britain, and Estonia – support the move.
Analysts say immediate international intervention is needed. Russia has the position and status in the region to stop a war so close to its border.