Gruelling Week-long Exodus Ends as Last Bus Carries Ethnic Armenians out of Nagorno-Karabakh

Over 100,000 ethnic Armenians have left the Nagorno-Karabakh region following its reclamation by Azerbaijan in a rapid military operation. The last bus carried passengers with severe illnesses and mobility issues into Armenia. Azerbaijani authorities now control the entire region.

The last bus carrying ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh departed the region on Monday, signaling the end of a weeklong mass exodus. Over 100,000 people — constituting more than 80 per cent of its residents — have left the area following Azerbaijan's swift military reclamation. The final bus to depart for Armenia transported 15 passengers with severe illnesses and mobility issues, according to Gegham Stepanyan, a human rights ombudsman for what was once a breakaway region that Azerbaijan now refers to as Karabakh.

Accelerated Military Campaign

In an accelerated military campaign that began on September 19, Azerbaijani forces swiftly overpowered the undermanned and outgunned Armenian forces in the regions, compelling them into surrender. Subsequently, the separatist government agreed to disband by year-end; however, Azerbaijani authorities have already assumed control over the territory.

Azerbaijan Establishes Control

Elshad Hajiyev, spokesperson for Azerbaijan's Interior Ministry confirmed this development to The Associated Press on Monday. He stated that their police force has established control across all territories within Karabakh. "Work is conducted to enforce law and order in the entire Karabakh region," he said. Furthermore, he added that Azerbaijani police are working towards ensuring security and protecting rights of remaining Armenian population in accordance with Azerbaijan’s laws.

The Fallout of Conflict

This mass evacuation follows after weeks of intense conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh - a disputed region internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but populated by ethnic Armenians who declared independence during a war in early 1990s. This recent flare-up has resulted in significant displacement causing humanitarian concerns.

Stepanyan expressed concern about those who may still wish to leave but are struggling to do so, calling for more information about these individuals. While Baku has assured the protection of Armenians under Azerbaijan's law, the mass exodus indicates a deep-seated fear among the Armenian population regarding their future safety and security in an area now controlled by Azerbaijani authorities.

Conclusion

The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh has resulted in significant geopolitical shifts with widespread humanitarian implications. The recent military takeover by Azerbaijan and subsequent mass exodus of ethnic Armenians underscores the complex ethnic tensions that have long characterized this disputed region. As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how Azerbaijan will manage its newly reclaimed territory and what measures will be taken to ensure peace, stability and security for all remaining residents.