Nagorno-Karabakh: Russia deploys peacekeeping troops to region

2020-11-10 17:39:20

Hundreds of Russian peacekeeping troops have been deployed to the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, following a deal to end conflict in the region. Heavy fighting between Azerbaijani and ethnic Armenian forces had been ongoing for weeks, until both sides agreed to a Russian-brokered peace deal on Monday. The enclave is internationally recognised as Azerbaijani but has been run by ethnic Armenians since 1994. The peace deal sparked jubilant scenes in Azerbaijan and fury in Armenia. Under its terms, Azerbaijan will hold on to several areas that it has taken during the conflict. Armenia also agreed to withdraw from several other adjacent areas over the next few weeks. The BBC's Orla Guerin in Baku says that, overall, the deal should be read as a victory for Azerbaijan and a defeat for Armenia. Protesters in Armenia have damaged official buildings and called for the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.