Khnatsakh, Armenia – Every evening around 10 PM, the mountainous village of Khnatsakh echoes with the sound of automatic gunfire. According to villagers, Azerbaijani troops stationed on elevated positions across the border open fire — often into the air, but sometimes allegedly toward homes.
So far, no injuries have been reported, but fear is spreading fast.
“It’s a very tense situation at home. We have small children and elderly. People are leaving,” said 66-year-old retired mechanic Karo Andranyan.
Azerbaijan denies the claims, accusing Armenian forces of violating the ceasefire. The two countries share a heavily militarized 1,000-kilometer border that has remained shut since the 1990s.
🔥 From Peace Talks to Gunfire: A Fragile Hope
Back in March, Armenia and Azerbaijan reportedly agreed on a framework for a peace treaty, including border demarcation and constitutional changes expected from Armenia before ratification.
However, since then, ceasefire violations have increased, casting doubt on the fragile peace process.
Experts warn the region is at a critical crossroads, with a real risk of renewed conflict looming.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio emphasized this during a congressional hearing, saying there is “a real risk of war” between the two nations.
🧨 Escalating Rhetoric and Regional Instability
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in power since 2003, declared in January that Armenia poses a “fascist threat” that must be destroyed — a statement that fueled further concerns of escalation.
Despite no casualties reported since last year, the frequent cross-border shootings are threatening civilians and destabilizing the region.
📌
Source: Reuters