Azerbaijan launches offensive in Karabakh; martial law declared in Armenia

On the morning of 27 September Azerbaijan launched a large-scale offensive along the entire line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh. Settlements, including Stepanakert, came under fire.

The Armenian government declared martial law and a general mobilisation. Similar decisions were taken in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. In an address to the nation, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called on citizens to unite.

Armenia's Defence Ministry reports that Azerbaijani helicopters and drones have been shot down. According to the Karabakh authorities, there are civilian dead and wounded.

Russia, France and the United States, as co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, called for an immediate ceasefire. Turkey openly declared its support for Azerbaijan.