Azerbaijan Establishes Checkpoint on Route to Armenia Amid Tensions

Azerbaijan has set up a checkpoint on the only land link between Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, sparking tensions between the two nations that have fought two wars over the region. The move violates the 2020 ceasefire agreement and has been criticized by the US and France. Azerbaijan claims the checkpoint is to prevent illegal transportation of manpower, weapons, and mines, while Armenia denies the allegations. The Lachin corridor is patrolled by Russian peacekeepers, and the separatist authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh have called on Russia to prevent the establishment of the checkpoint.