Heavy fighting has broken out Armenia and Azerbaijan. There is a danger the fighting could lead to a bigger conflict the two countries. Their trouble is a region that is their border called Nagorno-Karabakh. This is a disputed territory. It is internationally recognized as being part Azerbaijan but it has a majority Armenian ethnic population. It has governed itself the past few decades. The recent clashes resulted in the deaths both civilians and soldiers. Armenia blamed Azerbaijan starting the recent conflict. It said Azerbaijan launched missiles the region. Azerbaijan's defence ministry said it launched missiles to "ensure the safety the population" in the region.
There have been tensions Armenia and Azerbaijan since the end the Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1994. There have been many flashpoints the two countries. The current clashes have seen the worst fighting many years. An Al Jazeera journalist who is an expert Nagorno-Karabakh described the situation as, "a very serious escalation". Neighboring countries are now getting involved. Turkey's President said his country would support Azerbaijan. Russia has given its backing to Armenia, but called an immediate ceasefire and urgent negotiations. Iran, which shares a border both Azerbaijan and Armenia, has offered to arrange peace talks.
