Renewed Conflict Between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh Puts Armenia at Risk

Azerbaijan and Armenia’s ceasefire in November 2020 faltered as Azerbaijan blocked the agreed corridor, leading to renewed hostilities. This jeopardizes Armenia’s security and trade routes. To prevent further aggression, some suggest a temporary U.S. force deployment in southern Armenia.

Azerbaijan and Armenia’s ceasefire in November 2020 faltered as Azerbaijan blocked the agreed corridor, leading to renewed hostilities. (PHOTO: Webdunia English)

READ ALSO: UKRAINE LAUNCHES ATTACK ON RUSSIAN FLEET AS U.S. PLEDGES MILITARY SUPPORT

Ceasefire Agreement and Its Unfulfilled Promises: Azerbaijan and Armenia in Conflict

In November 2020, Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed to a ceasefire, ending a 44-day war in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). According to a published article in AEI, the deal aimed to establish a secure corridor through Lachin, guarded by Russian peacekeepers, connecting Armenia and Artsakh. It also mentioned transport links through Armenia’s Zangezur region for Azerbaijan to reach Nakhchivan.

However, Azerbaijan didn’t follow through on its commitments. It blocked the Lachin corridor for 10 months, causing humanitarian suffering that some labeled as a genocide. Recently, the Azerbaijan and Armenia once again at war because Azerbaijan attacked again, violating the ceasefire. Despite U.S. promises to protect Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijani online channels promoted violence against Armenian civilians.

READ ALSO: U.S. INVESTS BILLIONS TO REVAMP COLD WAR SUBMARINE PROGRAM, COUNTER CHINA’S NAVAL REINFORCEMENT

Southern Armenia Corridor: Threats Amid Azerbaijan and Armenia Conflict

Reuters reported that Azerbaijan’s President Aliyev and Turkey’s President Erdogan are celebrating their gains and pushing for a corridor through southern Armenia, with Russia’s support. The relationship between Azerbaijan and Armenia has soured, posing a significant threat to Armenia. Armenia relies on this route for trade, and the situation is worsened by the blockades imposed by Azerbaijan and Turkey.

To safeguard Armenia, the U.S. should consider temporarily deploying its forces in southern Armenia as a deterrent against further aggression. About the ongoing Azerbaijan and Armenia war, diplomatic visits aren’t enough, and concrete actions, like a humanitarian-focused troop deployment, may be crucial to protect Armenia, one of the world’s oldest Christian nations.

READ ALSO: UKRAINE’S ZAPORIZHIA OBLAST MADE RUSSIAN FORCES SUFFER HEAVY LOSSES