Nagorno-Karabakh separatist govt confirms loss of key city

spokesman for president of separatist government in Nagor-Karabakh on Monday confirmed that Azerbaijani forces have taken control of a strategically key city and said y were nearing region’s capital.

statement on Facebook by Vagram Pogosian came a day after Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev claimed his country’s soldiers h taken Shushi.

seizure is most significant military development in fighting over territory, which is within Azerbaijan but has been under control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since 1994.

Shushi’s position above regional capital Stepanakert, which is about 10 kilometers (six miles) to rth, gives strategic vant to whomever holds it. city also lies along main ro connecting Stepanakert with Armenia.

Long lines of vehicles have jammed ro as Nagor-Karabakh residents flee fighting into Armenia.