Armenian Christians Face Existential Threat in Artsakh Amidst Azerbaijan Blockade

YEREVAN, Armenia – A critical humanitarian situation is unfolding in Artsakh, where an estimated 120,000 Armenian Christians are reportedly enduring an illegal blockade imposed by Azerbaijan. The Philos Project, a Christian community organization, has released a video highlighting the severe conditions and calling for urgent international intervention. Sam Brownback, former U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom, stated in the video, "You've got 120,000 Christians that are being strangled, blockaded by Azerbaijan." He emphasized the historical precedent, noting, "We have seen historic, Christian populations being driven completely out of the Middle East virtually. This is another historic, Christian population that's gonna get driven out." David Curry, President and CEO of Global Christian Relief, expressed gratitude for The Philos Project's efforts, stating, "So grateful for Philos Project creating this opportunity to see what's happening in Armenia and particularly to Armenian Christians." He added, "There's so many elements here. There's land involved, ethnicity struggles. When you talk about Azerbaijan, Turkey, it's surrounded by people who wanna erase the history of Christian faith in Armenia." Emily Schrader, Founder of Social Lite Creative, also shared her emotional experience on the ground, observing the "result of the Azeri aggression and what's happening not just in disputed territories, like Nagorno-Karabakh, but also in areas that are inside Armenia proper." She stressed the importance of understanding the gravity of the situation and defending the Armenian people and the rights of Christians in the region, calling Armenia "critical" to this defense. The video concludes with a call to action, urging support for Armenia, drawing a parallel to the 1915 Armenian Genocide.