Armenia Betrayed: Azerbaijan prepared to invade? (Documentary)

Over a year has passed since the devastating large-scale military offensive launched by Azerbaijan against Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). The events that unfolded in September 2023 marked a turning point in the region’s history, culminating in the ethnic cleansing of over 120,000 Armenians. This documentary, Armenia Betrayed: Azerbaijan Prepared to Invade?, is a harrowing chronicle of this tragic chapter, providing a comprehensive account of the crisis and the betrayal faced by Armenia and Artsakh.

The Offensive and Its Aftermath

Between September 19 and 20, 2023, Azerbaijan conducted a major military operation against Artsakh, violating the 2020 ceasefire agreement. This assault occurred in the context of a prolonged blockade imposed by Azerbaijan, which had already caused severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies in the region. The offensive led to numerous civilian casualties, the death of at least six Russian peacekeepers, and accounts of atrocities including torture and dismemberment of civilians, as reported by eyewitnesses.

Despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by Russian peacekeepers on September 20, Azerbaijan’s actions had already inflicted irreversible damage. By October 2023, the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh was entirely displaced, effectively ending centuries of Armenian presence and cultural heritage in the region.

The Role of the International Community

The international community’s muted response to the crisis has drawn widespread criticism. Genocide prevention experts and human rights organizations raised alarms about Azerbaijan’s actions, labeling them as ethnic cleansing and potential genocide. Luis Moreno Ocampo, the first prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, warned that another Armenian genocide was unfolding, citing global inaction as a green light for Azerbaijan to proceed without consequences.

These warnings proved tragically accurate. The lack of decisive international intervention emboldened Azerbaijan to not only expel the Armenian population from Nagorno-Karabakh but also to threaten further aggression against Armenia itself.

On the Ground: A Documentary Overview

Armenia Betrayed: Azerbaijan Prepared to Invade? offers an unfiltered look into the realities of this crisis. The film captures scenes from key hotspots, including:

• Artsakh: Documenting the aftermath of the blockade and military offensive, along with firsthand accounts of the atrocities committed.

• Armenia’s Borders: Exploring the strategic implications of Azerbaijan’s positioning along the borders with Iran, Turkey, and Georgia.

• Yerevan: Delving into the political unrest within Armenia and the growing divisions over how to respond to Azerbaijan’s aggression.

By weaving together interviews with survivors, experts, and eyewitnesses, the documentary provides a vivid and heartbreaking portrayal of how Armenia and Artsakh were abandoned by the global community.

The Broader Implications

Azerbaijan’s actions in Artsakh signal a dangerous precedent for the South Caucasus region. The displacement of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh raises critical questions about the future of Armenia’s sovereignty and security. As this documentary reveals, Azerbaijan has repeatedly demonstrated its readiness to escalate tensions, leaving Armenia vulnerable to further incursions.

A Call to Action

This documentary is more than a historical record—it is a wake-up call to the world. The ethnic cleansing of over 120,000 Armenians from Artsakh should not be allowed to fade into obscurity. The global community must confront its failures and take meaningful action to prevent further aggression and ensure justice for those who have suffered.

Armenia Betrayed: Azerbaijan Prepared to Invade? stands as the most complete account of this ongoing tragedy. It demands to be seen, not just as a record of past atrocities, but as a warning of what may come if the international community continues to turn a blind eye.