Armenian separatists in Azerbaijan's Karabakh arm children, following path of Daesh, PKK

Yeni Safak has published an article on Armenia's use of children in military activities. Caliber.Az reprints this article.

Three years ago, Armenia suffered a humiliating defeat from Azerbaijan during the second Karabakh war, as a result of which, Azerbaijan liberated its lands previously held under Armenian occupation.

Despite the fact that three years have passed, Armenia is grossly violating the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020 (signed by Azerbaijani, Armenian and Russian leaders following the second Karabakh war).

In the mountainous areas of Azerbaijan's Karabakh, where the Russian peacekeeping contingent is temporarily stationed (in accordance with the trilateral statement), separatists, who call themselves the "leaders" of the Armenian population (living in Karabakh) just cannot seem to accept the new reality

So, the process of withdrawal of illegal Armenian armed groups (still remaining in Karabakh contrary to the trilateral statement) and conducting military exercises in various directions is still observed inside Karabakh, which indicates the tendencies of revanchism ignited by the dream of so-called "Great Armenia".

The cases of using Armenian children in military activities intensified by the separatists in this spirit are coming to light again.

A few days ago, footage of children in military uniforms in Karabakh was released by Armenian bloggers on social networks. International experts equate these actions of the separatists with the attempts of Daesh and PKK/YPG terrorist organisations to create a "child army".

Commenting on the issue, Turkish expert on terrorism and security issues Abdulla Agar said that the PKK and Daesh terrorist organisations are also connected to the process of Armenia involving children in military activities in Karabakh.

"Especially, such cases were recorded in the Nubar Ozanyan brigade of Armenian origin, which operates in the PKK/YPG terrorist organisation," he added.

The expert said that Armenia's involvement of children in military activities in Karabakh could not pose any threat to Azerbaijan, which has a modern army.

"Armenia is trying to mobilise its society by creating armed groups consisting of children and women. This is a message, especially to men. In addition, another main goal of Armenia in selecting children is to educate them in the spirit of hostility. They use the children they raise with their ideology for their political gains. With this, they are trying to maintain the so-called ‘Great Armenia’ ideal," Agar stressed.

Agar went on to note that Armenian schools also infect children with hatred towards Turks.

"As a result, brainwashed people appear in society. In fact, with this process, Armenia uses these children and women both mentally and physically for its own benefits and commits a crime against its own society," Agar said.

Head of the Strategic Research Centre of Iraq Mutazz Muhi Abdulhamid also said that the involvement of teenagers and children in military training by Armenia is primarily a crime against its own society.

"If we look at the behaviour of Armenia and the Armenian society after the second Karabakh war, we will see that there are still feelings of revanchism in this society and this is a real threat to the region. The involvement of children in military training is a clear indication of this," he noted.

"On the other hand, this step means transferring Armenians' policy of hostility towards Azerbaijanis to new generations. Armenians believe that the best way to perpetuate enmity is to pass it on to younger generations," he explained.

Unlike Agar, the Iraqi expert said the involvement of teenagers in military training may be a real threat to Azerbaijan in the future.

"It's clear that Armenians are not interested in peace and that's why they don't recognize the borders of Azerbaijan, nor sign the peace agreement. It's also clear that Armenia is not alone in this issue and receives weapons and logistical support, this is no secret to anyone. This is their attempt to prepare for a new war," he said.

Abdulhamid emphasized that international organizations (UNICEF, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, International Committee of the Red Cross) turn a blind eye to the participation of children and teenagers in military exercises.

Yeni Safak media platform calls on the mentioned international organizations to keep this issue in the spotlight and express protest to Armenia.