The Blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh: A Timeline of Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis

From December 2022 to September 2023, the Nagorno-Karabakh region was subjected to a blockade by Azerbaijan, triggering a severe humanitarian crisis and escalating tensions in the long-standing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. This article examines the events of the blockade, its consequences, and the geopolitical factors at play.

Background: The Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

The dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh dates back to the late 1980s, when the predominantly Armenian population of the region sought independence from Azerbaijan. This led to a full-scale war in the early 1990s, resulting in a ceasefire in 1994 that left Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding territories under the control of Armenian separatists. Azerbaijan has consistently maintained its claim over the region, internationally recognized as part of its territory.

The Blockade: Implementation and Methods

The blockade began on December 12, 2022, with Azerbaijan establishing a military checkpoint on the Lachin corridor, the sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia and the outside world. The blockade involved multiple methods aimed at isolating the region and undermining the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh:

• Road Closures: Blocking the primary access route for people and goods.
• Restrictions on Supplies: Barring the entry of food, medical supplies, and other essential items.
• Infrastructure Damage: Disrupting public utilities such as internet, gas, and electricity, and preventing repairs.
• Detention of Personnel: Detaining independent media personnel.
• False Environmentalism: Utilizing environmental concerns as a pretext for restrictions.

Humanitarian Consequences

The blockade had devastating consequences for the approximately 120,000 Armenian residents of Nagorno-Karabakh:

• Food and Medical Shortages: Severe scarcity of food, medicine, and essential supplies, leading to rationing.
• Healthcare Crisis: Hundreds of people were unable to receive necessary surgeries due to lack of resources.
• Utility Failures: Widespread shortages of electricity and gas, and depletion of water reservoirs.
• Family Separation: The blockade separated families and restricted movement.
• School Closures: All schools were closed due to the deteriorating conditions.

International Response and Legal Rulings

The blockade drew international concern, with calls for Azerbaijan to lift the restrictions and allow humanitarian access. However, Azerbaijan largely disregarded international legal rulings and continued the blockade. Russian peacekeepers, stationed in the region as part of a 2020 ceasefire agreement, were unable to prevent the restrictions.

The September 2023 Offensive and Dissolution of Artsakh

In September 2023, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale military offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh. This offensive led to the swift collapse of the Republic of Artsakh’s defenses and the mass exodus of the Armenian population. On September 30, 2023, the blockade officially ended with the dissolution of the self-proclaimed republic. The blockade lasted for 9 months, 2 weeks, and 4 days.

Key Figures

• Ilham Aliyev: President of Azerbaijan.
• Kirill Kulakov: Russian peacekeeper commander (September 3-30, 2023).
• Alexander Lentsov: Russian peacekeeper commander (April 25 – September 2, 2023).
• Samvel Shahramanyan: President of the Republic of Artsakh (September 10-30, 2023).
• Arayik Harutyunyan: President of the Republic of Artsakh (until September 1, 2023).

Conclusion

The blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The humanitarian consequences were severe, and the blockade ultimately paved the way for Azerbaijan to reassert control over the region and dissolve the Republic of Artsakh. The events underscore the fragility of peace in the region and the urgent need for a lasting political solution.