News - Russian peacekeepers evacuate over 2,000 civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Russian peacekeepers have successfully evacuated more than 2,000 civilians from Nagorno-Karabakh. These evacuees have been provided with temporary accommodations, and medical professionals are offering assistance to the wounded. According to the statement by the Ministry of Defense, the Russian peacekeeping contingent continues its efforts to evacuate the civilian population from the most perilous areas of Nagorno-Karabakh while also delivering essential medical care to those in need. Among the evacuees, over 1,049 are children. All relocated residents have been provided with temporary shelter and warm meals. Additionally, a special medical unit of doctors is tending to the injured. The Russian peacekeeping contingent remains active in fulfilling its responsibilities within Nagorno-Karabakh, the statement says. With 30 observation posts in operation, Russian peacekeepers are maintaining 24/7 vigilance and overseeing compliance with the ceasefire. The statement also says that since 12:00 on September 19, 2023, the Russian peacekeeping contingent has documented numerous instances of ceasefire violations by Azerbaijani forces along the entire line of contact." As previously reported by NEWS.am, Azerbaijan's Armed Forces initiated artillery fire along the entire line of contact in Nagorno Karabakh on September 19, starting at 1 p.m., in an attempt to breach the defense line of the Nagorno Karabakh Defense Forces. Presently, Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno Karabakh, and other settlements are enduring heavy shelling. Gegham Stepanyan, the Human Rights Defender of Nagorno Karabakh, has documented multiple casualties and injuries among civilians, including children. As of September 20, fighting continues along the contact line of Nagorno Karabakh with varying degrees of intensity. Units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces are employing various weapons not only to maintain their positional advance but also to target civilian infrastructure. As of 03:00, September 20, according to the information received by the Office of the Human Rights Defender, the number of civilian casualties in Artsakh as a result of Azerbaijani aggression has reached 7, including 3 women, 2 children, and 2 men. There are also 35 injured civilians: 13 children, 15 women and 7 men.