The two countries clashed on Sunday in the Nagorno-Karabakh region; Casualties of civilians and military personnel are reported; Aliyev: Armenia is an occupying state, and an end to this occupation must and will be put.

On Sunday, a fatal military clash was ignited between the two countries of Armenia and Azerbaijan in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The region has remained highly controversial due to it falling within the technical borders of Azerbaijan but being inhabited by Armenian nationals. Both sides have accused each other of artillery shelling, while Armenia is reported to have shot down Azerbaijani aircraft including unmanned air vehicles (UAV) and helicopters. Aditionally, Armenia is said to have destroyed enemy tanks.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quick to voice his support for Azerbaijan, accusing Armenia of destabilizing the region. However, Turkey itself is seen as one of the primary destabilizing forces in the Middle East.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that “the first fire, including artillery fire, was opened by Armenia, and the first victims were Azerbaijani servicemen…Armenia is an occupying state, and an end to this occupation must and will be put.”

At this time, there are reports of well over a dozen deaths including civilians and military personnel. Additionally, multiple injuries are reported. Several countries have called for a ceasefire and offered to broker peace talks. Ironically, one of them being Iran.

Both countries, which have clashed multiple times in the last few decades, implemented martial-law.