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In pictures: Fighting rages in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

Getty Images A view shows the aftermath of recent shelling during the ongoing fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region, in the disputed region's main city of StepanakertGetty Images

Fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan, two former Soviet republics in the Caucasus region, has flared up in recent days.

The two countries are clashing over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, which is officially part of Azerbaijan but is run by ethnic Armenians.

The current fighting is the worst seen in decades, and both sides have blamed each other for the violence.

Armenia and Azerbaijan went to war over the region in 1988-94 and eventually declared a ceasefire. But they have never reached a settlement over the dispute.

This image, released by the Armenian Defence Ministry, shows one of the country's gunners during renewed clashes earlier this week.

EPA A handout photo made available by the Armenian Defense Ministry on 30 September 2020 on its official website shows Armenian soldier during military clashesEPA
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Both sides have deployed heavy artillery fire, and some homes and buildings have been destroyed in civilian areas.

Here, residents of Nagorno-Karabakh are served food after they fled to an Armenian border town.

Getty Images Refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh have their meals at a hotel in the Armenian town of GorisGetty Images
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Azerbaijani forces shelled Nagorno-Karabakh's capital, Stepanakert.

Heavy casualties were reported in the city, which was left without electricity according to the Armenpress news agency.

This woman is seen outside her home there.

Getty Images Old woman stands in the entrance of her home with a rifle during the shelling of Stepanakert cityGetty Images
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Meanwhile, Nagorno-Karabakh's authorities said they had shelled a military airport in Azerbaijan's second-largest city, Ganja.

Firefighters were deployed to Ganja and other towns and villages to put out fires.

Getty Images A firefighter battles a fire at a residential building damaged in a shelling attack in AzerbaijanGetty Images
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There are fears that the actual death toll among the militaries from all sides as well as civilians could be much higher, as casualty claims have not been independently verified.

This woman was admitted to hospital in Ganja earlier this week.

Getty Images An injured woman brought to hospital in AzerbaijanGetty Images
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Azerbaijan's military says its forces have retaken control of several villages, while Nagorno-Karabakh says its troops have "improved" their frontline positions.

The use of heavy artillery has left scars on the city streets, such as here in Stepanakert.

Getty Images A view shows aftermath of recent shelling during the ongoing fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region, in the disputed region's main city of StepanakertGetty Images
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And this building in Ganja was severely damaged be shellfire.

The Azerbaijani government has said "civilian infrastructure and ancient historical buildings were harmed" in recent fighting.

Getty Images A building damaged by shellfire in GanjaGetty Images
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Homes have been destroyed, damaged and left empty on both sides of the conflict.

Personal items have been pictured strewn amongst the debris. Here, the top floor of an apartment building in Nagorno-Karabakh is seen after a strike.

Getty Images Dirt and debris covers the floor in an apartment on the top floor of a building that was shelled in Nagorno-KarabakhGetty Images
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