Tensions are flaring up again in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, raising concerns of a potential new war between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Azerbaijan says it has started an anti-terrorist operation in the region, which is controlled by ethnic Armenians. That, hours after Baku reported two separate mine blasts in Karabakh that left six people dead. Baku has blamed the blasts on what it calls illegal Armenian armed groups. Meantime, Armenia has urged Russian peacekeeping troops to stop what it has described as Azerbaijan's full-scale aggression against the local population. five civilians have been reportedly killed and 80 injured in the attacks. Armenians have hit the streets in the capital, Yerevan, calling on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resign over his handling of the situation. Meantime, Russia has voiced concerns over the escalation.
Peskov also called for calm and urged the two sides to sit down for talks. Iran has also expressed concern over the escalation. The foreign ministry spokesman called on all parties involved to fulfill their commitments to the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire deal and resolve the issue through dialogue. In the meantime, the EU has condemned the military escalation, calling on Azerbaijan to stop the operation.