Missile Attack on Azerbaijan's Second Largest City Leaves at Least 13 Dead

At least 13 people were reportedly killed and over 50 injured after a missile struck a residential area of Ganja, Azerbaijan early on October 17, potentially one of the deadliest attacks for civilians during recent fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev blamed Armenian forces, who are currently battling the Azerbaijani military for control of Nagorno-Karabakh, and promised revenge. According to local media, the missile strike occurred following reports of new clashes between the two forces.

According to the Associated Press, the Armenian Defense Ministry denied carrying out the attack, though allied separatist officials in Nagorno-Karabakh did not issue such a denial.

This footage, taken before dawn on October 17, shows rescue workers responding to the strike in Ganja, as well as damage to the interiors of what appear to be residential structures. Credit: Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty via Storyful