Ethnic Armenian Fighters Disband as Baku Regains Control; Mass Exodus of Armenians Continues

In a significant development following the recent recapture of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijani forces, the separatist President of the region, Samvel Shakhramanyan, has signed a decree declaring the impending dissolution of the unrecognized republic by January 1, 2024. This announcement comes on the heels of ethnic Armenian fighters agreeing to dismantle their forces and lay down their weapons as Baku regained control of the disputed territory.

Nagorno-Karabakh, a region with a long history of ethnic and territorial conflict, has been a focal point of tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan for decades. The most recent bout of hostilities erupted in September 2020, resulting in extensive destruction and casualties.

With the fall of Nagorno-Karabakh's capital, Stepanakert, and surrounding areas to Azerbaijani forces, tens of thousands of Armenians have been forced to flee the enclave, seeking shelter in Armenia. This mass exodus of civilians has strained resources and posed humanitarian challenges for the Armenian government.

President Shakhramanyan's decree to dissolve Nagorno-Karabakh as a separate entity marks a significant turning point in the ongoing regional conflict. The move raises questions about the future status of the territory and the fate of its ethnic Armenian population.

The international community has been closely monitoring the situation in the South Caucasus region, urging both Armenia and Azerbaijan to find a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict. The dissolution of Nagorno-Karabakh as a separate entity adds a new dimension to the complex geopolitical puzzle in the area.

As we approach the January 1, 2024 deadline set by President Shakhramanyan, the world will be watching to see how this development impacts the broader regional dynamics and the lives of those directly affected by the conflict.