Tensions in the Russian-controlled part of Karabakh have flared up again with reports of casualties and territories changing hands.
On March 24, the Defense Ministry of the non-recognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic stated that 3 Armenian soldiers were killed and 14 wounded by Azerbaijani attack along the line of contact. The next day the same entity claimed that on March 25 night Azerbaijani army shooted again, as a result of which 5 Azerbaijani soldiers were killed and 1 Armenian wounded.
Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense responded to the allegation, calling the Armenian statements ‘information provocation’.
“The news spread by Armenia that armed conflicts happened in Azerbaijani territories with the use of drones where Russian peacekeepers are temporarily stationed and that our servicemen died as a result is a lie. The units of the Azerbaijani army continue the process of delineation of its posts and while doing it, doesn’t impose force.”
On March 24, the Armenian authorities of Karabakh also claimed that the Azerbaijani army entered the village of Farrukh (Parukh – Arm) in Asgaran district that lies under the zone of responsibility of Russian peacekeepers and “took control of locations nearby”.
The same day Armenia’s defense minister Suren Papikyan called Russian counterpart Sergei Shoygu on phone. The press release of Armenian Defense Ministry informs that Shoygu assured his Armenian counterpart that the situation in the area is “under watch of Russia and necessary measures are being taken to solve it peacefully.”
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, in response, accused the Armenian side of “exaggerating the issue by means of disinformation”.
“Armenian Foreign Ministry’s 24-March statements, saying as if tensions rose in the region and accusing Azerbaijan, is another attempt of Armenia to direct attention of international community in the wrong direction.”
