Armenian families in Nagorno-Karabakh faced hunger and exhaustion as they fled their homes following a swift military operation by Azerbaijan's forces
Approximately 19,000 out of 120,000 ethnic Armenians residing in Nagorno-Karabakh had fled to Armenia due to the conflict
Many refugees embarked on treacherous journeys in overcrowded vehicles, including trucks and tractors, enduring hardships and hunger
The exodus was driven by the urgent need for survival, as civilians fled to escape the conflict, leaving behind their homes and possessions
Panic buying at fuel stations in the Karabakh region occurred as residents rushed to secure essential supplies amid the crisis
Samantha Power, USAID chief, called on Azerbaijan to maintain a ceasefire and protect the rights of civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh. The U.S. condemned the use of force
The U.S. urged Azerbaijan to fully reopen the Lachin corridor, allow aid deliveries, and permit international monitoring to address the dire needs of the population
The U.S. pledged $11.5 million in emergency aid for Nagorno-Karabakh to support relief efforts
Troubling reports of violence against civilians emerged, though independent verification of the military operation's details remained challenging
The conflict's resolution alters the power dynamics in the South Caucasus region, with Russia, the United States, Turkey, and Iran vying for influence, while Armenia seeks closer ties with the West