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 took place from September 27 to November 10, 2020, involved intense military conflict 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 this conflict. The organization called for independent investigations into these actions and emphasized the need for accountability.

A detailed study published in the journal Demography estimated that the conflict resulted in nearly 6,500 excess deaths among people aged 15–49, with significant casualties reported on both sides: approximately 3,400 in Azerbaijan, 2,800 in Armenia, and 310 in Artsakh (Karlinsky & Torrisi). This data highlights the severe human cost of the war, which included not only combatants but also civilians affected by the violence.

Reports from Human Rights Watch corroborate these findings, indicating that both sides engaged in indiscriminate attacks that resulted in civilian casualties. For instance, Armenian forces reportedly shelled Azerbaijani cities, leading to numerous civilian deaths and injuries, while Azerbaijani forces were accused of similar actions in areas populated by ethnic Armenians.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that both Artsakh and Azerbaijan committed serious atrocities against civilians is robust. The findings from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch provide credible accounts of war crimes and indiscriminate attacks on civilian populations by both sides. Amnesty International specifically noted that "indiscriminate attacks on populated areas" were carried out by both forces, highlighting the widespread nature of the violence (Amnesty International).

The study by Karlinsky and Torrisi offers a quantitative assessment of excess mortality during the conflict, indicating that the majority of casualties were young men, likely engaged in combat, but also reflects the broader impact of the war on civilian populations (Karlinsky & Torrisi). This demographic analysis underscores the tragic loss of life and the long-term implications for both nations.

While some sources may exhibit bias—given the historical and political complexities of the conflict—the corroboration from multiple reputable organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch lends significant weight to the claim. Both organizations have established reputations for documenting human rights abuses and conducting thorough investigations, which enhances the reliability of their findings.

Conclusion

The claim that both Artsakh and Azerbaijan committed serious atrocities against civilians during the Nagorno-Karabakh war is True. Evidence from multiple credible sources indicates that both sides engaged in actions that resulted in civilian casualties and violations of international law. The documented war crimes and the significant loss of life among civilians underscore the tragic consequences of this conflict.