Stepanakert has become a ghost town

In Stepanakert (Nagorno-Karabakh), time froze. On the main square, you can see strollers and carts that were abandoned in a hurry. Just a few days ago, hundreds of civilians were rushing to board buses heading to Armenia. Monday October 2, calm reigns. Some Azeri policemen set up the guardde, while most stores were left dry.

Mass exodus

On the road leading to the city, Russian peacekeeping forces have set up checkpoints in each valley. There too, the traces ofexode are visible. Some abandoned their cars along the way. Other residents, however, have resigned themselves to leaving. “If some had stayed, I would have stayed too”, specifies a resident. Buses still cross the border.