Russia has demanded a de-escalation after Azerbaijani and Armenian troops clashed at the border. It has been reported that 15 Armenians died, and 12 soldiers were captured. Armenia has asked that Russia step in to defend the nation should it be attacked by the Azeris.
The fighting comes after a 44-day war last year over the disputed territory of Artsakh. While technically a part of Azerbaijan, Artsakh has an overwhelming Armenian Christian population who have inhabited the area for well over 1000 years. Azerbaijan forcibly took back the region which was eventually given over to international peacekeepers fronted by Russia. Thousands died in the conflict and there were widespread accusations that Azerbaijan had committed genocide and utilised international jihadi fighters. Much of the Azeri advantage came from vast numbers of high-tech weapons provided to the state by Turkey.
Following the recent clash, Russian president Vladimir Putin has spoken with Armenian leader Nikol Pashinyan.
Armen Grigoryan, the secretary of Armenia's Security Council, told reporters:
"Since Azerbaijan has attacked Armenia's sovereign territory we are asking Russia to defend Armenia's territorial integrity based on an existing 1987 (mutual defence) agreement between our countries."
Azerbaijan says the clash occurred after Armenian forces attacked its positions on its side of the border.
There is a worry that Azerbaijan could attempt to invade the entire state of Armenia, possibly with Turkish help. Armenia and Turkey are long-time foes and Turkey is known to have murdered over 1 million Armenians during the First World War, a crime which they deny to this day.
In a statement, Azerbaijani military authorities said:
"The Azerbaijan Army has operational and tactical superiority. Armenian servicemen are leaving their positions in fear and panic. Military equipment belonging to the opposing side has been destroyed."
France has also stepped up to call for peace. The European power has ties with Armenia and has been a major critic of Turkey and its allies over the last decade.
[Based on reporting by: Reuters]
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