Fact Check: Azerbaijan Regained Full Control Over Karabakh in 2023, Causing Mass Armenian Exodus
What We Know
On September 19-20, 2023, Azerbaijan launched a military offensive in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which resulted in the surrender of the self-declared Republic of Artsakh and the disbandment of its armed forces. This region, while internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, had been predominantly governed and populated by ethnic Armenians for decades (Flight of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians). Following the offensive, approximately 100,400 ethnic Armenians fled the region, representing 99% of the remaining population, primarily due to fears of ethnic cleansing and a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by a nine-month blockade imposed by Azerbaijan (2023 Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh). The mass exodus was characterized by significant casualties, including 218 civilians who died during an explosion at a fuel distribution center and 70 others who died while fleeing to Armenia (Flight of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians).
Analysis
The claim that Azerbaijan regained full control over Karabakh in 2023 is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The offensive was not only a military action but also a culmination of longstanding tensions and a blockade that had created dire living conditions for the Armenian population in the region. The blockade had led to severe shortages of essential supplies, which international observers described as a potential precursor to genocide (2023 Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh).
The sources used in this fact-check are credible, including Wikipedia entries that compile information from various reports and studies, as well as news articles from reputable outlets like NPR (Azerbaijan moves to reaffirm control of Nagorno-Karabakh). These sources provide a comprehensive overview of the events leading to the exodus and the broader implications of Azerbaijan's actions.
However, it is important to note that while the Azerbaijani government has claimed it would ensure the safety of the remaining Armenian population, these assurances have been met with skepticism due to Azerbaijan's historical treatment of Armenians and its authoritarian governance (Flight of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians). The international community has expressed concerns about potential war crimes and crimes against humanity in light of the mass displacement and the conditions faced by the Armenian population during and after the offensive (2023 Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh).
Conclusion
The claim that Azerbaijan regained full control over Karabakh in 2023, leading to a mass exodus of Armenians, is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Azerbaijan's military actions resulted in the disbandment of Armenian governance in the region and prompted a significant flight of its Armenian population due to fears of violence and persecution.
