Mass Exodus: Nagorno-Karabakh's Population Flees Amidst Ethnic Cleansing Fears

Nearly half of Nagorno-Karabakh's population has fled to Armenia, with many more still trying to evacuate, following a swift Azerbaijani offensive that resulted in the region's surrender. Azerbaijan has regained control of Nagorno-Karabakh, offering Karabakh Armenians the option to stay if they accept Azerbaijani citizenship, but many have chosen to leave. Concerns of ethnic cleansing have been raised, as Azerbaijan has been explicit about the choice facing ethnic Armenians. Armenia is preparing to receive the refugees, but the capacity to house them remains uncertain. The lifting of a 10-month blockade allowed residents to flee, but there are concerns about who will manage the routes into Armenia and the potential for detention of certain individuals.