Nagorno-Karabakh declares martial law as fresh violence erupts

President Rodrigo Duterte threatens to impose martial rule to prosecute his deadly war on drugs, three decades after the nation shed dictatorship with a famous "People Power" revolt.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte joked Friday that soldiers could rape up to three women, as he reassured them of his full support under his newly imposed regional martial law.

Fighting has erupted between Armenia and Azerbaijan around the separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Both sides have blamed each other; the Armenian military claims to have destroyed several helicopters and tanks.

Azerbaijan and Armenian forces have resumed fighting in a major eruption of their decades-old conflict. Russia says its military is closely watching, while France and Turkey trade barbs as tension mounts.

Scores of soldiers were killed in heavy clashes between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces despite calls for a ceasefire. The two sides continued to attack each other with rockets and missiles.

Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of targeting a historic cathedral in Nagorno-Karabakh. Two Russian journalists were injured in the shellings. Azerbaijan rejected the allegations, saying it did not target religious sites.

Armenia's President Armen Sarkissian spoke to FRANCE 24 from the capital Yerevan, as the conflict between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh continues to claim civilian lives. Sarkissian accused Azerbaijan of having "started a war" and violating the two recent ceasefires. He also claimed that Turkey "has a completely destructive role" in the conflict and "has added a new dimension to this which doesn't have anything to do with" the aspirations of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The death toll in the conflict over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh continues to rise after four weeks of fighting. Armenian and Azeri forces have repeatedly blamed each other for blocking a peaceful resolution.

A Russian military helicopter has been downed over Armenia amid clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan has admitted to shooting the aircraft down by accident.

Russia also intends to send 90 armored personnel carriers and 380 vehicles to the disputed region. The move follows the signing of a ceasefire agreement by Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Protests have broken out in Yerevan after a Russian-brokered peace deal was signed by Armenia and Azerbaijan. Many Armenians want the prime minister's resignation for agreeing to a cease-fire agreement.

Armenians have been setting their homes on fire as they flee the district of Kalbajar. Azerbaijan is set to take control of the area as of November 15 under the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire brokered earlier this week.