The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of fighting along the line of contact in Nagorno Karabakh, the committee said in a statement.

Casualties reported on both sides included civilians.

"We are ready to assist and support those affected by the recent escalation of fighting, as well as to act as a neutral intermediary between the parties", said Patrick Vial, head of the operations for the region. "All sides to the conflict have an obligation to respect the rules of the international humanitarian law. As per these rules, the parties must ensure that the civilian life and infrastructure is protected."

The ICRC has been operating in the region since 1992 in relation to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Through delegations in Baku and Yerevan and the mission in Nagorno Karabakh, the ICRC supports communities living along the line of contact and the international border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In addition, the ICRC works to clarify the fate of missing persons and help their families. The committee also visits detainees and acts as a neutral mediator to facilitate the transfer and repatriation of persons released on both sides of the border and the line of contact.

On the night of April 1-2, Azerbaijani armed forces initiated overt offensive operations in the southern, southeastern and northeastern directions of the line of contact with Nagorno Karabakh, using artillery, armored fighting vehicles and air force equipment among other weapons.

As many as 18 Karabakh servicemen were killed and 35-40 were wounded in the course of military operations.

As of April 3, the Azerbaijani side has lost 15 tanks and over 5 armored vehicles, including an IFV, as well as 2 military helicopters and 3 unmanned aerial vehicles.

One Karabakh tank has been destroyed so far.