As you are reading this brief update, our brothers and sisters in Artsakh and in parts of Armenia are under heavy artillery attack by the Azeris.  Official sources have acknowledged at least 200 Armenian casualties including civilians. Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in a statement released earlier today said that this battle is not about land or territory, it is about the elimination of the Armenian people.  

Reports have been released by the Armenian and Artsakh Governments that Turkey has recruited upwards of 4,000 Syrian mercenaries to fight for Azerbaijan. In addition, American made, Turkish deployed F-16s are attacking targets in Artsakh and Armenia proper. In fact, it is reported that Turkey is now leading Azerbaijan's air campaign from Kars and Erzurum. The Armenian Government reports that 150 high ranking Turkish soldiers are on the ground in Azerbaijan coordinating attacks.

Civilian populations in Stepanakert, Martakert, Martuni and Hadrut have come under attack. Civilians in Armenia's Vardenis and surrounding villages have also been shelled. Two French journalists have been injured (one of them in critical condition) as a result of the Azeri attacks. In addition to the tragic loss of life, homes and infrastructure in these communities have been significantly damaged. Azeri surveillance drones made their way all the way to Armenia's Kotayk Region just outside of Yerevan before they were shot down.  

The OSCE Co-Chairs of Russia, France and the United States have called upon Armenia and Azerbaijan to end hostilities and loss of life and return to the negotiation table.  Azerbaijan has refused and Turkey has publicly stated that they wish Azerbaijan will fight on until Artsakh is Armenian free. Russia and Iran have both offered to help facilitate peace talks. The US Congress has introduced a Resolution condemning Azerbaijan's attack.