What was Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan?

By Web Desk
Nagorno-Karabakh Map

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been a source of tension, wars, and diplomatic strain between Armenia and Azerbaijan which is now resolved.

1- Background of the Conflict

Nagorno-Karabakh is a mountainous region in the South Caucasus. During the Soviet Union era, it was legally part of Azerbaijan, but its population was mostly ethnic Armenian. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan lay historical and cultural claims to the area:

  • Azerbaijan’s position: Within internationally recognized borders, it is Azerbaijani territory.
  • Armenia’s position: Since the majority population is Armenian, it should have the right to self-determination or unification with Armenia.

2. Cold War and the Start of the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict (1980s)

In 1988, before the collapse of the Soviet Union, the local assembly of Nagorno-Karabakh passed a resolution to join Armenia. This decision sparked riots and violent clashes between Armenian and Azerbaijani communities. The Soviet government could not fully resolve the dispute, and after the USSR’s breakup in 1991, it turned into open war.

3. First Nagorno-Karabakh War (1991–1994)

Soon after independence, the two countries fought a large-scale war. Armenian forces (including Armenia and local militias from Nagorno-Karabakh) captured not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also seven surrounding Azerbaijani districts. The war caused about 30,000 deaths and displaced over 1 million people (mostly Azerbaijanis).

In 1994, with Russian mediation, a ceasefire (Bishkek Protocol) was signed, but no political solution was reached. After this, Nagorno-Karabakh remained under Armenian control as a “self-declared republic” (unrecognized by any country).

4. Years of Tension and Clashes (1994–2020)

Despite the ceasefire, border skirmishes continued. In 2016, the “Four-Day War” took place, during which Azerbaijan regained small portions of land. Turkey emerged as an open supporter of Azerbaijan, while Russia stayed closer to Armenia (though maintaining ties with Azerbaijan).

5. Second Nagorno-Karabakh War (2020)

In September 2020, the conflict escalated into full-scale war again. Azerbaijan used advanced drone technology (mostly from Turkey and Israel) to recapture several key areas, including Shusha. The war lasted about six weeks and caused thousands of casualties on both sides. On November 10, 2020, a Russian-brokered ceasefire was signed:

  • Azerbaijan regained 7 districts and some additional areas.
  • Russian peacekeepers were deployed to the region.
  • Part of Nagorno-Karabakh remained under Armenian control, but Azerbaijan achieved major military gains.
6. 2023 Offensive and Armenian Withdrawal

In September 2023, Azerbaijan launched a swift military operation it called an “anti-terrorist operation.” Within 24 hours, Armenian forces surrendered. Soon after, a large part of the Armenian population (around 100,000 people) left the region for Armenia. In December 2023, the “self-declared government” of Nagorno-Karabakh announced its dissolution, making the area effectively a full part of Azerbaijan.

7. Current Situation (2025)

On August 8, 2025, Armenia–Azerbaijan peace framework was agreed upon at the White House under the chairmanship of U.S. President Donald Trump. Read key points of this historic peace framework in this article.