Troops Killed As Fighting Breaks Out On Armenia-Azerbaijan Border

The defence ministries of Armenia and Azerbaijan have confirmed that skirmishes on the disputed border of the Nagorno-Karabakh region has resulted in deaths on both sides. The long-running dispute between the Caucasian nations does not usually have much impact beyond its own borders.

• However, the role of Russia (as an ostensible ally to both) and Turkey (an ally of Azerbaijan) means that these conflagrations can take on a broader geopolitical role. Should these skirmishes remain contained then it is unlikely to draw much outside attention, but if sustained then both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could be drawn into diverting attention and resources from the war in Ukraine and the Turkish presidential election campaign respectively.
• Caucuses-based journalist Gabriel Gavin: "As of 7.35pm local time, the situation on the frontline is “comparatively stable” after fierce firefights this afternoon, Armenian officials say. No numbers on casualties from either side yet, but understood be several killed. Unclear whether any ground has changed hands."