Nagorno-Karabakh War: One year since Armenia, Azerbaijan's last conflict

• Author: AARON REICH
• Published date: 27 September 2021
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The conflict is rooted in longstanding border disputes between the two Caucus-region neighbors. The Nagorno-Karabakh region was under Armenian control but claimed by Azerbaijan. Though the Azeri claim was recognized internationally, the region was de facto governed by the Armenian-backed breakaway state called Artsakh, also known as the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The two nations have fought before over the region, with a seven-year war breaking out between 1988 and 1994 before it was ended by a ceasefire. However, simmering tensions always remained high between the two countries.

On September 27, 2020, fighting erupted again between the two. Soon, martial law was declared and both sides began mobilizing their armies.

The war itself was characterized by two notable factors: geopolitical complexity and the widespread use of drone warfare.

Drones were heavily used by the Azeri forces, compared to a comparatively greater emphasis on artillery by Armenia. This allowed the Azeris to inflict severe damage on Armenian tanks, defenses, artillery and personnel.

Using drones also gave the Azeris an edge in reconnaissance, allowing them a greater tactical advantage in outmaneuvering Armenian forces.

Both sides also utilized disinformation campaigns and cluster munitions - something banned by most countries but not by the two parties in question - including against civilian areas.

Fireworks in Baku, Azerbaijan, mark end of Nagorno Karabakh conflict, December 10, 2020. (Credit: Maxim Churusov/TASS via Reuters)

In terms of geopolitical complexity, the conflict saw the involvement of many other regional and global powers. Specifically, Azerbaijan saw heavy support from Turkey, while Armenia saw considerable support from Russia, not to mention the alleged use of foreign mercenaries and militia groups.

ISRAEL CAME under particular criticism for its involvement. Although the Jewish state has strong ties with both nations, it was criticized for supplying military equipment and drones to the Azeri army.

Reports by Itai Anghel on Channel 12's Uvda program, as well as an international arms sales report by SIPRI, illustrate how important Israeli arms sales to Azerbaijan have been over the last decade.

Israel was the source of 69% percent of Azerbaijan's arms imports over the last five years, the report said, and Anghel revealed the large role that Israeli drones like the Harop played in the war between Azerbaijan and Armenian fighters last year.

Azerbaijan was also believed to...