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

Atrocities Committed During the Nagorno-Karabakh War: A Detailed Examination

Introduction

The claim that "both Artsakh and Azerbaijan committed serious atrocities against civilians during the Nagorno-Karabakh war" refers to the events surrounding the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, which took place from September to November 2020. This conflict involved Azerbaijan and Armenia, with significant implications for the ethnic Armenian population in the self-declared Republic of Artsakh. The assertion suggests a mutual culpability in the perpetration of violence against civilians, a topic that has garnered considerable attention and debate.

What We Know

1. Conflict Overview: The Second Nagorno-Karabakh War was a major escalation of a long-standing territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but has a predominantly ethnic Armenian population. The war lasted from September 27 to November 10, 2020, resulting in thousands of casualties and widespread displacement 2.

2. Allegations of War Crimes: Various human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have reported that both Azerbaijani and Armenian forces committed war crimes during the conflict. These allegations include targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as the use of prohibited weapons 3.

3. Specific Atrocities: Reports indicate that Azerbaijani forces engaged in unlawful strikes against civilian areas, including the use of incendiary weapons like white phosphorus 57. Conversely, Armenian forces have also been accused of committing atrocities, although specific details are less frequently highlighted in mainstream reports 34.

4. Humanitarian Impact: The conflict resulted in significant humanitarian crises, with over 100,000 civilians displaced and thousands of deaths reported, including both military personnel and civilians 46. The situation has led to ongoing concerns about the treatment of ethnic Armenians in the region following the war's conclusion.

Analysis

The claim of mutual atrocities is supported by a variety of sources, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:

• Human Rights Organizations: Reports from organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are generally considered reliable due to their established methodologies for documenting human rights abuses. However, these organizations may face criticism for perceived biases, particularly from parties involved in the conflict 35. Their findings often rely on eyewitness accounts and satellite imagery, which can be subject to interpretation and verification challenges.

• Academic Research: The research conducted in collaboration with Columbia University and the Artsakh Human Rights Ombudsman Office provides a detailed account of the events and may offer a more localized perspective on the atrocities committed against Armenians. However, the potential for bias exists, as the research is closely tied to Armenian interests 14.

• Media Reports: Outlets like Al Jazeera and the Council on Foreign Relations provide context and analysis of the conflict, but they may also reflect the editorial slant of their respective organizations. For example, Al Jazeera has been criticized for its coverage of Middle Eastern conflicts, which could influence its reporting on the Nagorno-Karabakh situation 98.

• Conflicting Narratives: The narrative surrounding the conflict is heavily influenced by nationalistic sentiments on both sides. Azerbaijani sources often emphasize Armenian aggression and downplay their own military actions, while Armenian sources highlight the suffering of their civilians and the need for international intervention 10. This polarization complicates the assessment of claims regarding mutual atrocities.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The assertion that both Artsakh and Azerbaijan committed serious atrocities against civilians during the Nagorno-Karabakh war is supported by evidence from various human rights organizations and reports. Both sides have been accused of targeting civilians and using prohibited weapons, indicating a level of mutual culpability. However, the extent and specifics of these atrocities can vary significantly in reporting, with Azerbaijani actions often receiving more documented attention compared to those of Armenian forces.

It is important to note that while credible sources have reported on these atrocities, the potential for bias exists, particularly given the nationalistic narratives that influence reporting from both sides. The evidence is not uniformly comprehensive, and the context of the conflict complicates the assessment of claims regarding mutual atrocities.

Readers should be aware of the limitations in the available evidence and the complexities involved in interpreting reports from a highly polarized conflict. As such, it is crucial to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when forming conclusions about the events of the Nagorno-Karabakh war.

Sources

1. Atrocities Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) -- Webpage archive. Columbia University. Link
2. Second Nagorno-Karabakh War - Wikipedia. Link
3. War crimes in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. Wikipedia. Link
4. Atrocities Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) | Institute for the Study of Human Rights. Link
5. Azerbaijan: Unlawful Strikes in Nagorno-Karabakh. Human Rights Watch. Link
6. Atrocities and Ethnic Cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. Human Rights Network. Link
7. The humanitarian toll of Azerbaijani scorched-earth strategy in Artsakh. Link
8. Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict | Global Conflict Tracker. Council on Foreign Relations. Link
9. The human cost of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Al Jazeera. Link
10. War Crimes Under International Law Committed By Azerbaijani Forces. Link