Nagorno-Karabakh: behind the scenes of the last few hours

The soldiers are on the front line of the Latchine corridor. October 30, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

Lussine Agadganyan, 26, is a journalist at the Stepanakert town hall. On 20 October, she preferred to flee the town and join the centre for displaced people in Tsakhkadzor. Her husband stayed behind, carrying ammunition for the soldiers on the front line. Tsakhkadzor, November 3, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

Fenia, 91, and her husband Mikael Mirzayan, 90, left their town of Stepanakert three days after the first bombings on 27 September to go to the centre for displaced people in Tsakhkadzor. Their sons and grandsons remained in Nagorno-Karabakh to fight and defend their land. Tsakhkadzor, November 3, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

Sevra Petrossian (R), 71, arrived from her village of Avetaranots with her husband on 20 October at an IDP centre in Tsakhkadzor. Her son and four grandsons are fighting on the front line. Tsakhkadzor, November 3, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

Armenia declared that more than 2,300 soldiers had been killed during the six weeks of conflict. For his part, Vladimir Putin said that 4,000 people had died and tens of thousands had fled their homes. Azerbaijan has not confirmed the number of its own victims. Erevan, November 1, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

Armenia declared that more than 2,300 soldiers had been killed during the six weeks of conflict. For his part, Vladimir Putin said that 4,000 people had died and tens of thousands had fled their homes. Azerbaijan has not confirmed the number of its own victims. Erevan, November 1, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

Many families have fled the fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh. They took refuge in the hotels of the tourist town of Goris, on the Armenian border. Many have no news of their fathers, brothers or sons who have stayed behind to defend their land. Goris, November 1, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

Smoke rises from the forests at the gate of Latchin. Missiles and rockets fall down not far from the city. After several weeks of fighting, a decisive battle seems to be starting for the control of the Latchin corridor which, in case of victory for the Azerbaijani forces, would allow them to completely isolate Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenia. Latchin, November 1, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

The troops of the Azerbaijani forces are getting closer. The Armenian army sends reinforcements to protect the town of Shushi and the Latchin corridor, strategic places in this conflict. Latchin corridor, November 1, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

At the Stepanakert cemetery. This conflict will have killed more than 2300 Armenian soldiers. November 1, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

At the Stepanakert cemetery, a woman is crying her son who died in battle. This conflict will have killed more than 2300 Armenian soldiers. November 1, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

The soldiers are on the front line of the Latchine corridor. October 30, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

Smoke rises from the forests at the gate of Latchin. Missiles and rockets fall down not far from the city. After several weeks of fighting, a decisive battle seems to be starting for the control of the Latchin corridor which, in case of victory for the Azerbaijani forces, would allow them to completely isolate Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenia. October 30, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

After a day of fighting on the front line of the Latchine corridor, soldier return to rest for a few hours before returning to defend their position. October 30, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

After a day of fighting on the front line of the Latchine corridor, soldiers return to rest for a few hours before returning to defend their position. October 30, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

After a day of fighting on the front line of the Latchine corridor, soldiers return to rest for a few hours before returning to defend their position. October 30, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

The bombings intensify in the capital Stepanakert. Anna Hasmikyan's house did not escape the bombs, only one room remained intact in front of the portrait of her grandfather, Andrey Poghosyan, a former officer in the Russian army. Stepanakert, October 31, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

A soldier returning from the front line rests in one of Stepanakert's dugouts before leaving to fight again. Stepanakert, October 31, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

An old lady is resting in one of the shelters of Stepanakert. October 31, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

Several kamikaze drones hit a school in Stepanakert. Fortunately, there were no students on the premises at the time of the strikes. Stepanakert, November 1, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

the indiscriminate bombardments of the capital of Stepanakert caused a huge number of civilian casualties and inflicted terrible injuries, both physical and mental. Stepanakert, November 1, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

At a time when a decisive battle seems to be starting for the control of the Latchin corridor which, if the Azerbaijani forces win, would allow them to completely isolate Nagorno-Karabakh itself from Armenia, shepherds continue to graze their sheep. October 30, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

In the streets of Shushi, next to the cultural centre, a cluster bomb did not explode. The use of cluster bombs is prohibited by international humanitarian law. Shushi October 30, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

The looks are sad in Shushi. The intensive bombing of the city worries those who have not gone to the front or who have not returned to Armenia. Shush,October 30, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

A building damaged by bombing in the city of Shushi, October 30, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

Azerbaijani armed forces bombed the Stepanakert maternity hospital. Stepanakert, October 28, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

Both civilians and soldiers wounded at the front or in the bombardments are taken to Stepanakert hospital for treatment. Stepanakert ,October 29, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

In front of Stepanakert hospital, blood-stained stretchers. Both civilians and soldiers wounded at the front or in the bombardments are taken to Stepanakert hospital for treatment. Stepanakert, October 29, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

Back from the front line, an Armenian soldier came to pray at the Holy Mother of God Cathedral. Stepanakert, October 29, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

In the crypt of the Holy Mother of God Cathedral, inhabitants of Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorny Karabakh, Azerbaijani separatist territory populated mostly by Armenians, have found refuge to escape the Azerbaijani bombings. Stepanakert, October 29, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

Two hours after the bombing of the Stepanakert maternity hospital, the sirens sounded again. New bombardments are in progress, people look worried and take shelter in the basements of the maternity ward. Stepanakert, October 28, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

Arekag Kasparyan, 70 years old, lives in Stepanakert and has been hiding in a shelter since the first day of the bombings on 27 September. Since then, Arekag hasn't been outside, she doesn't know what state her house is in. Yesterday she lost her niece and nephew on the front line. Stepanakert, October 28, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

Since the first day of the conflict, September 27, this family has been living in a shelter in the basement of their building. Like the other families hiding there, they have no news of their sons who have left to fight on the front line. Stepanakert, October 28, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

"We are afraid, we want peace to come back so we can get out," says 5-year-old Marat. Since the morning of 27 September, Marat, her two sisters and her mother have been taking refuge in the basement of a school in the town of Stepanakert, when the first bombs fell on their house. Marat's father has gone to join the soldiers on the front line. Stepanakert, October 28, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.

Barkev Martirosyan, Archbishop of the Armenian Church of Artsakh, prays in the crypt of the Holy Mother of God Cathedral. Inhabitants of Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorny Karabakh, Azerbaijani separatist territory populated mostly by Armenians, have found refuge to escape the Azerbaijani bombings. Stepanakert, October 29, 2020. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES An Armenian enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, the Transcaucasian self proclaimed republic, has been under fire from the Azerbaijani army since 27 September. Schools, hospitals and civilians are bombed, leading to a massive displacement of more than 60% of the population. Despite the noise of artillery fire and shelling, a few souls have chosen to stay put, such as in Stepanakert, the capital, where they live holed up in shelters waiting for better days, while their children and husbands are on the front line. On 9 November, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement under the aegis of Russia to end hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, enshrining Azerbaijani military victories after six weeks of deadly fighting.