Asia Times
YEREVAN – Following months of bellicose threats, Azerbaijan launched on Sunday a coordinated military offensive against the Armenian-held breakaway republic of Nagorno Karabakh, leaving dozens dead and raising the specter of a protracted open war.
On Monday morning, Karabakh officials announced 32 Armenian soldiers had been killed, as well as two civilians, a woman and child. Baku said an Azeri family of five were killed by Armenian shelling but did not announce any casualties among its armed forces.
Azerbaijan, a gas-rich state run by an authoritarian dynasty, declared martial law on September 27, as did Armenia, whose president called for a general mobilization of military personnel.
The eruption of hostilities over the vast and strategic mountainous territory comes two months after Azeri forces launched a cross-border attack, which only differed by targeting Armenia proper.
Since that foiled July incursion, Azerbaijan has been increasingly open about its disdain for diplomacy and desire to rely on the force of arms. “Karabakh is ours! Karabakh is Azerbaijan,” Azeri President Ilham Aliyev tweeted on Sunday.