Tensions Rise in Armenia as Expert Warns of Possible Military Uprising
Date: 2023-09-17 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: WORLD
The Russian Connection
According to Elhan Nuriev, a member of the Ukraine Officers' Union and former head of the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Headquarters (1992-1993), Russia is currently repositioning itself in the region. He asserts that as long as Russia remains in the area, skirmishes along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border will persist, making it difficult to predict stability.
Nuriev emphasizes that Armenia has realized it cannot rely on Russia's support, and this paradigm shift may have unforeseen consequences. He reveals troubling information from sources in the Caucasus that suggests Russia is dispatching "Wagner" mercenaries from Karabakh through the Lachin corridor into Armenia, fueling concerns of a potential military uprising.
Armenia's Vulnerability
Nuriev underscores Armenia's vulnerability due to its relatively small size, covering only 36,000 square kilometers, roughly the size of an average Ukrainian province. Additionally, the presence of Russian forces on Armenian soil and Russia's arming of militants in Nagorno-Karabakh have further complicated the situation.
He believes that attempts to stage a coup are highly likely, especially if Armenia reaches an agreement with Azerbaijan, leaving Russia with little reason to maintain its presence in the region.
Armenia's Uncertain Future
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has expressed concerns that Russia, which had previously taken on a role as a "helper" in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, might withdraw its support. Pashinyan acknowledged that Armenia can no longer rely on Russia as its security guarantor.
The situation in Armenia remains fluid, and the potential for a military uprising is causing unease in the region. The evolving dynamics and shifting alliances leave Armenia in a precarious position, with its future hanging in the balance.
