There is heavy fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It could lead to a bigger conflict between the countries. The trouble is over a border region called Nagorno-Karabakh. It is internationally recognized as being part of Azerbaijan but it has a majority Armenian ethnic population. It largely governs itself. Civilians and soldiers have died in the clashes. Armenia blamed Azerbaijan for starting the conflict. It said Azerbaijan launched missiles into the region. Azerbaijan said it launched missiles to "ensure the safety of the population" in the region.
There have been tensions between the two countries since the end of the Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1994. The current clashes are the worst fighting in many years. A journalist and expert on Nagorno-Karabakh said fighting was, "a very serious escalation". Other countries are now getting involved. Turkey's President said his country would back Azerbaijan. Russia gave its backing to Armenia, but called for a ceasefire and urgent negotiations. Iran, which shares a border with both Azerbaijan and Armenia, offered to arrange peace talks.