Fact Check: Both Artsakh and Azerbaijan committed serious atrocities against civilians during the Nagorno-Karabakh war

Fact Check: "Both Artsakh and Azerbaijan committed serious atrocities against civilians during the Nagorno-Karabakh war"

What We Know

The Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, which occurred from September 27 to November 10, 2020, involved significant military engagement between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Reports indicate that both sides committed serious violations of international humanitarian law, including attacks on civilians. According to Amnesty International, both Azerbaijani and Armenian forces were implicated in war crimes during the conflict, which included indiscriminate attacks on populated areas. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned such actions, stating that "indiscriminate attacks on populated areas... were totally unacceptable" (source-3).

A study on the human cost of the war estimated nearly 6,500 excess deaths among people aged 15–49 due to the conflict, with significant civilian casualties reported on both sides. Specifically, the study found that nearly 2,800 excess deaths occurred in Armenia, 3,400 in Azerbaijan, and 310 in Artsakh (source-1). Reports from Human Rights Watch corroborate these findings, detailing artillery attacks by both sides that resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure (source-6).

Analysis

The claim that both Artsakh and Azerbaijan committed serious atrocities against civilians is supported by multiple credible sources. Amnesty International's findings are particularly significant, as they are based on extensive investigations into the conduct of both parties during the conflict. Their report highlighted specific incidents where both sides targeted civilian areas, leading to deaths and injuries among non-combatants (source-3).

The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their established reputations in human rights advocacy and reporting. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are well-regarded organizations that conduct thorough investigations and publish findings based on evidence collected from various stakeholders, including eyewitness accounts and satellite imagery.

However, it is important to note that the narratives surrounding the conflict can be influenced by nationalistic sentiments and propaganda. For instance, while both sides report on the atrocities committed by the other, they may downplay or deny their own actions. This complicates the assessment of the situation, as each side may present biased accounts to support their positions.

Despite these complexities, the consensus among independent observers, including academic studies and human rights organizations, indicates that both sides engaged in actions that resulted in civilian harm. The data on excess mortality and documented war crimes provide a compelling basis for the claim that both Artsakh and Azerbaijan committed serious atrocities against civilians during the Nagorno-Karabakh war.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The evidence supports the claim that both Artsakh and Azerbaijan committed serious atrocities against civilians during the Nagorno-Karabakh war. Reports from credible organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, along with academic studies estimating excess mortality, confirm that both sides engaged in actions that led to significant civilian casualties and violations of international humanitarian law.

Fact Check: Both Artsakh and Azerbaijan committed serious atrocities against civilians during the Nagorno-Karabakh war