October 29, 2020 - 11:21 AMT
ICRC: Karabakh conflict risks spiraling out of control

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict risks are spiraling out of control, Martin Schüepp, Eurasia Regional Director at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has said.

The ICRC said the have witnessed intense shelling in urban areas on both sides of the front line, leading to death, destruction, injuries and desolation," Schüepp said on Wednesday, October 29.

“These latest exchanges signal that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict risks spiraling out of control. It is civilians across the region who are suffering the consequences.

“The ICRC is in contact with the sides in bilateral, confidential dialogue to remind them of their obligations under international humanitarian law. The appalling scenes that we are seeing cannot continue.”

Azerbaijan, with help from Turkey and Syrian and Libyan mercenaries deployed by Ankara, started a war against Karabakh (Artsakh) in the morning of September 27. The Armenian side has reported deaths and injuries both among the civilian population and the military. Foreign and local journalists too have been injured in Azeri shelling of towns and villages.