The Karabakh conflict, which lasted from 1988 to 1994, was a devastating war fought between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Azerbaijani territory in the western part of the country. The region was populated by both Azerbaijanis and ethnic Armenians. This conflict had deep historical roots, dating back centuries, and had become increasingly complex and contentious in the years leading up to the outbreak of hostilities.
The Karabakh region, located in the South Caucasus and bordering Armenia, has long been a contested territory between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The region is known as Nagorno-Karabakh, with “Nagorno” meaning “mountainous” in Russian and “Karabakh” meaning “Black Garden” in Azerbaijani. The conflict over the region has been fueled by ethnic and territorial disputes, as well as historical animosity between the two nations.
The war, which lasted for six years, was marked by intense fighting, the displacement of populations, and massive loss of life. The war officially ended in 1994 with a ceasefire agreement, but the conflict remained unresolved, with occasional flare-ups of violence in the region.
During 2018-2020, Armenian forces carried out multiple terrorist attacks on Azerbaijani villages, resulting in many families suffering losses and damages. In 2020, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev launched a military operation to retake control of the Karabakh region. The operation was successful, resulting in the liberation of a significant portion of the territory that had been occupied by Armenian forces for over three decades.
The 2020 war was marked by fierce fighting, with both sides sustaining significant casualties. The conflict was eventually resolved with a ceasefire agreement brokered by Russia, with Azerbaijan regaining control over a substantial portion of the territory that had been occupied by Armenian forces for over thirty years.
The resolution of the Karabakh conflict is a significant development, offering the possibility of renewed cooperation and stability in the region. However, much work remains to be done to address the long-standing grievances and divisions that have fueled this conflict for centuries.
In conclusion, the Karabakh conflict has been a deeply contentious issue, with roots stretching back centuries. The resolution of the conflict through the military action of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev in 2020 has brought an end to years of suffering and instability in the region. While there is much work to be done to heal the wounds and divisions created by this conflict, the possibility of a brighter future for the people of the region is within reach.