Border Watch Armenia

September 14

2:55 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani allegations that at around 1:45 p.m. the Armenian Armed Forces fired upon Azerbaijani positions in the eastern part of the frontier zone.

11 a.m.: In a cabinet meeting, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the situation along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border remains tense as “Azerbaijan continues movements of its troops along the state border with Armenia and the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh.”

9:13 a.m.: The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) reports that it has been “regularly patrolling in the Yeraskh area, including the steel plant, to observe any security and military developments.”

“By our EU presence, we have contributed to [a] safer and more secure environment,” it said in a statement. 

Earlier, at 7:41 p.m. on September 13 the EUMA said, in a now deleted tweet, that in the “last weeks, EUMA regularly patrolled in Yeraskh area to observe and oversee the dismantling of the steel plant.”

8:16 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani Defense Ministry’s allegations that from 9:35 p.m. on September 13 to 12:45 a.m. on September 14, Armenian Armed Forces fired upon Azerbaijani positions located in the eastern and northeastern parts of the border.

September 13

2:10 p.m.: The Centre for Information Resilience (CIR), an independent social enterprise dedicated to exposing human rights abuses and war crimes, reports that it is “monitoring the escalating tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia.”

“We have observed an increase in Azerbaijani military movement and activity at airbases. Our investigators confirmed an increase in apparent military transport flights to Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijani autonomous republic. We will continue monitoring the situation and provide timely updates,” CIR said in a statement.

12:50 p.m.: On the sidelines of a cabinet meeting, Iran’s Defense Minister Mohammadreza Ashtiani stated that Iran “believe[s] that no war will break out in the [Caucasus] region” and does not accept “any change in the borders.” “The process we are observing shows that no special occurrence will happen,” he said.

8:01 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that at around 3:40 a.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired on Armenian outposts in the vicinity of Verin Shorzha in Gegharkunik region.

September 12

10:50 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that at around 8:30 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired on Armenian outposts near Srashen in Syunik region.

3:50 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that at around 2:35 p.m., the Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired upon Armenian outposts in the vicinity of Verin Shorzha in Gegharkunik region.

2:20 p.m.: At the OSCE meeting convened at the initiative of Armenia, EU Permanent Representative to the OSCE Rasa Ostrauskaite made a statement, which noted that the EU “has closely monitored the growing tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia along their international border in recent months, with almost daily reports of shootings.”

“It laments the new casualties caused by these incidents. We call on all parties to avoid further incidents and reaffirm their commitment to dialogue. In order to observe and report on the situation on the ground, the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) conducts patrols along the Armenian side of the international border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The mission’s goal is to contribute to conflict resolution and build trust between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” it added.

It stated that the “reported recent buildup of troops and military equipment along the Karabakh contact line and near the internationally recognized border between Armenia and Azerbaijan raises concerns and contradicts the EU’s calls for de-escalation.”

Non-EU states North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra and San Marino, aligned themselves with this EU statement.

2 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani allegations that at around 11:25 a.m., Armenian Armed Forces fired on Azerbaijani outposts in the southwestern part of the border.

1:10 p.m.: The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) opened an operating base in Ijevan. Head of mission Markus Ritter, together with EU Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, Armenia’s Deputy Defense Minister Hrachya Sargsyan and Governor of Tavush Hayk Ghalumyan took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

12:50 a.m.: Freedom House president Mike Abramowitz issued a statement in response to increasing military tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan and worsening conditions in Nagorno-Karabakh:

“We are deeply concerned by reports that the Azerbaijani military is massing equipment along the Armenian border. We condemn any plans to attack the sovereign territory of Armenia and urge mediating parties to work toward preventing any further violation of Armenia’s borders.

“Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin corridor risks ethnic cleansing of the region’s Armenian population and is exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. We urge the Azerbaijani government to engage sincerely in peace talks, refrain from weaponizing the security of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians, and unconditionally open the blockade to guarantee unimpeded two-way movement of people, vehicles, and cargo along the Lachin corridor. We also urge the United Nations Human Rights Council to appoint a special rapporteur to assess the human rights situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.”

September 11

11:50 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani Defense Ministry allegations that from 10 p.m. to 10:10 p.m., the Armenian Armed Forces fired upon Azerbaijani positions in the eastern part of the frontier zone.

11 p.m.: In an interview with Public TV, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border continues to be tense because of Azerbaijan having amassed troops there.

Pashinyan also stated that his first phone call on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border tension was with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “He [Putin] is certainly aware of the situation,” Pashinyan said.

10:01 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani Defense Ministry allegations that at around 8:40 p.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces fired upon Azerbaijani outposts in the eastern part of the frontier zone.

4:45 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani Defense Ministry’s allegations that at around 1:30 p.m. units of the Armenian Armed Forces fired upon Azerbaijani outposts in the eastern part of the border.

12:09 p.m.: In a press conference, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani stated that Armenian authorities have expressed concern about the possibility of a new military conflict with Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijan has “sent Iran a message that they have no intention of a military attack and that the recent troop movements were only a conventional military act on the eve of winter.”

September 10

3:59 p.m.: In a meeting on the margins of a G20 Summit, President of the European Council Charles Michel and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan discussed, among other issues, Armenia-Azerbaijan relations.

10:08 a.m.: The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) tweeted: “We patrol day and night at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border areas and line of confrontation to observe any military development, including amassment, movement, or shootings. EUMA reinforced patrols in the areas of greater concern to EU report on the situation and contribute to calming the tensions.”

6:27 p.m.: In a phone call with his Armenian counterpart Nikol Pashinyan, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz “expressed deep concern about the steadily increasing tensions in recent weeks, particularly regarding the deployment of military units” and “strongly appeal[ed] to refrain from any military escalation.”

“What is needed now is a swift agreement on humanitarian assistance for the people in Nagorno-Karabakh, including the opening of the Lachin Corridor. The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan can only be resolved through diplomatic means, and everyone should work constructively towards this goal without delay,” the German government said in a statement.

September 8

10:44 p.m.: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry issued the following statement:

“The Republic of Armenia continues to stay committed to the settlement of all outstanding issues with Azerbaijan purely through political and diplomatic means. Accordingly, the statements about Armenia preparing provocations are absolutely groundless. Armenia has no intention to escalate the situation, on the contrary, we remain open to discuss our previously proposed mechanisms for de-escalation.

“We invite the attention of all the partners interested in stability in the region to the fact that the Republic of Armenia is ready to proceed with the discussions with Azerbaijan at the earliest proper opportunity.”

6:58 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry held a briefing with foreign defense attachés and representatives accredited to Armenia on the current situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

“It was mentioned that the situation continues to be tense as a result of the accumulation of Azerbaijani armed forces during the last 2 days, hence the Armenian Armed Forces continue to take necessary actions to stabilize it and prevent provocations,” the ministry said in a statement.

3:32 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes the statement of Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry alleging that between 1:35 p.m. and 1:45 p.m., the units of the Armenian Armed Forces fired upon Azerbaijani positions in the southwestern part of the border.

September 7

10:25 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry responded to Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry: “Azerbaijani users of social networks and media themselves published information regarding the accumulation of Azerbaijani troops near the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and along the contact line in Nagorno-Karabakh, which is confirmed by information from other sources as well.”

It noted that Pashinyan again committed to the agreements reached on October 6, 2022 in Prague, October 31, 2022 in Sochi and May 14, 2023 in Brussels, which “confirmed the mutual unconditional recognition by Armenia and Azerbaijan of each other’s territorial integrity” and that “Armenia has no territorial claims against Azerbaijan and expects the same from Azerbaijan, which has not yet publicly confirmed its commitment to these agreements.”

The statement continued:

“Armenia is not interested in military escalation, it has been proposing mechanisms to exclude such risks, but until now has not received answers. Armenia is ready to discuss the introduction of other effective mechanisms as well.

“Armenia is ready to continue making active efforts to complete the work on the draft of the agreement on peace and normalization of relations with Azerbaijan and sign it as soon as possible. 

“Armenia is dedicated and remains committed to the agenda of peace and stability in the South Caucasus, while emphasizing the need for similar rhetoric and practical signals from official Baku.

“It is obvious that the blockade of the Lachin corridor, the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh and the absence of Baku-Stepanakert dialogue under an international mechanism do not contribute to the improvement of the atmosphere in the region.”

4:57 p.m.: The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) reports that it has “increased its patrolling activity – among others – in Armenia-Azerbaijan border areas of Gegharkunik and Syunik Provinces to observe any military developments.”

“Through our presence on the ground, we aim to contribute to calming tensions & impartial reporting on the situation,” it tweeted.

1:47 p.m.: In a statement, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said Pashinyan’s remarks in a cabinet meeting, including the “accusations against Azerbaijan of aggravating the military-political situation in the region, as well as alleged claims on force concentration of Azerbaijan […] are integral part of another fraudulent political manipulation of Armenia.”

It continued: “It is well-known that the continuation of military-political provocations by Armenia, ongoing claims voiced by Armenia including its Prime Minister against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, and non-withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from the territories of Azerbaijan contrary to its obligations are real threats to security in the region. 

“In order to establish peace and security in the region, Armenia must abandon its territorial claims against Azerbaijan, put an end to military and political provocations, and stop the obstacles to the successful outcome of the negotiation process on the peace treaty.”

11:20 a.m.: In a cabinet meeting, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the situation in the region has escalated significantly last week due to “Azerbaijan’s ongoing military buildup along the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.”

8:01 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that at around 1:35 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired upon Armenian outposts near Norabak in the Gegharkunik region.

7:15 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes the statement by Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry that at around 11:10 p.m., Armenian Armed Forces fired upon Azerbaijani outposts in the eastern part of the border.

September 6

9:12 p.m.: In a meeting with foreign ambassadors, Armen Grigoryan, secretary of Armenia’s Security Council, provided details regarding the buildup of Azerbaijani Armed Forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh contact line and along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. He emphasized the importance of efforts by international partners to prevent Azerbaijan’s possible aggression.

3:47 p.m.: Nathalie Loiseau, chairman of the European Parliament Subcommittee on Security and Defence, asks Josep Borrell, EU High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to make communication of the EU observation mission in Armenia transparent.

“Following the tensions at the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan on 15 August 2023, it seems crucial to me, as the Chair of the SEDE subcommittee, to know exactly what happened on the ground.

“EUMA’s official communication was very vague and, in some respects, contradictory, which does not allow a proper examination of the situation. Could you please describe exactly what happened that day and what conclusions the EEAS drew from it?

“I believe that a more regular, comprehensive and transparent communication on incidents witnessed by European observers is necessary. In this respect, could you please also inform me of the measures that have been taken to ensure that the mission’s mandate is respected by all parties?

“This information and the reports of the EU observers and the EEAS to the European Parliament are essential for us to consider the effectiveness of the mission and the way forward.” 

1:30 p.m.: At the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, the EU made the following statement on recent developments around the Lachin corridor and the Armenia-Azerbaijan border: 

“The EU has been closely following the growing tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia along their international border over the past months, with shooting incidents reported almost on a daily basis. We call on all sides to avoid further incidents and recommit to dialogue.  

“In order to observe and report on the situation on the ground the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) is conducting patrols along the Armenian side of the international border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The objective of the mission is to contribute to conflict resolution and to build trust and confidence between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“The EU reiterates its calls for restraint and dialogue among all parties involved. Continuous efforts are necessary to rebuild confidence between Armenia and Azerbaijan, in order to secure sustainable peace and stability in the region for the benefit of the local civilian population.

“The EU, and in particular the President of the European Council Charles Michel, has been heavily engaged to supporting the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“At the last trilateral meeting on 15 July 2023, hosted by President Michel with President Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia, the leaders of the two countries reiterated their strong commitment to the peace process. They notably reconfirmed their full respect for the other country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and their unequivocal commitment to the 1991 Almaty Declaration as a political framework for border delimitation. The ultimate delimitation of the border should be agreed through negotiations. Further substantial progress on delimitation is an important factor in reducing tensions, avoiding misunderstandings and incidents at the international border. 

“Violence, threats, harsh rhetoric and the spread of misinformation must cease in order to create an environment conducive to peace and normalization talks. The recommitment to dialogue in good faith remains as urgent as ever. This requires genuine commitment by all sides to work towards negotiated outcomes. Humanitarian issues must be resolved and concrete steps need to be taken urgently to rebuild trust.

“The EU remains fully committed to facilitating dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan and to supporting efforts to strengthen peace and security in the South Caucasus, for the benefit of all people in the region. We should not lose the momentum built in recent months for settling the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is important to continue the negotiations.”

12:30 p.m.: In a briefing at Armenia’s Defense Ministry, defense attachés and representatives accredited to Armenia were briefed on the “operational situation” on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border by the head of the Department of Defence Policy and International Cooperation of the MoD of the Republic of Armenia Levon Ayvazyan.

“It was noted that the Armenian Armed Forces are taking all the necessary steps within their duties to prevent further escalation of the situation,” the Defense Ministry said.

September 5

11:01 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes the allegations of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry that between 9:35 p.m. and 10 p.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces fired upon Azerbaijani outposts in the southwestern part of the border.

5:32 p.m.: In a press briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova expressed condolences for the loss of Armenian servicemen in Sotk on September 3.

“We call on all parties to refrain from actions leading to an escalation of tension and, even more so, human casualties. This tragic incident once again confirms the low effectiveness of the European Union’s mission stationed in Armenia,” she added.

5:31 p.m.: The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) reported that in the “last several days, EUMA eye witnessed with concern the increased tensions and crossfire at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border areas. We reported on the situation to Brussels. Our patrols cover Armenia-Azerbaijan border areas and lines of confrontation to report on military & security developments to the EU.”

8:10 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on September 5, between 12:05 a.m. and 12:20 a.m.., Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired upon Armenian outposts near Kut (Gegharkunik region).

September 4

1:10 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani Defense Ministry claims that at around 11:20 a.m., the units of the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at the Azerbaijani outposts located in the southwestern part of the border.

11:55 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani Defense Ministry claims that at around 9:50 a.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces fired on Azerbaijani outposts located in the southwestern part of the frontier zone.

9:26 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani Defense Ministry claims that at 7:20 a.m., Armenian forces fired on Azerbaijani outposts in the eastern part of the frontier zone.

September 3

8:33 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that at around 1:40 a.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired utilizing firearms on Armenian outposts near the village of Kutakan in Gegharkunik region.

September 2

7:10 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that between 4 and 4:10 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired on Armenian outposts near Norabak in Gegharkunik region

3:48 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani media claims that the Armenian side has casualties as a result of an Azerbaijani UAV strike. 

3:01 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani Defense Ministry claims that at around 12:58 p.m., Armenian Armed Forces opened fire against Azerbaijani outposts located in the southwestern part of the frontier zone.

12:30 p.m.:  Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that as of 12:30 p.m., the situation on the border is relatively stable. The MoD refutes reports of Armenian military positions in Sotk being shelled at 12 noon today. 

11:56 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes Azerbaijani Defense Ministry allegations that at around 11 a.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces fired mortars against Azerbaijani positions located in the eastern part of the border.

September 1

10:47 p.m.: Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo tweets: “In the aftermath of our mobilization to provide humanitarian aid in Artsakh, the Azerbaijanis cold-bloodedly assassinated four Armenians [number corrected later to three KIA, see 7:43 p.m.]. Azerbaijan continues to trample on international law. It is high time for the international community to come together for peace in Armenia.”

10:05 p.m.: Peter Stano, EU spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, tweeted: “The EU deplores the latest armed clashes that led to several servicemen being killed and injured in the border areas between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The EU calls on all sides to avoid further violence and recommit to dialogue.”

9:55 p.m.: Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada responded to Pashinyan: “Resorting to provocation against Azerbaijan for distracting population from tense situation in Armenia and accusing Azerbaijan, who is a party promoting peace in the region, is nothing but desperate attempt to avoid responsibility. Azerbaijan will continue to take measures to prevent such provocations.”

8:34 p.m.: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan tweeted: “Today, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, using UAVs and mortars attacked positions towards the Armenian combat outposts nearby Sotk and Norabak, leaving three servicemen dead and two wounded. Encroachments on the territorial integrity of Armenia, combined with warmongering rhetoric, are a continuation of Azerbaijan’s policy.”

7:43 p.m.: In an updated communique, the Defense Ministry retracts Narek Poghosyan’s name from the list of four names announced earlier as killed in action, citing an updated report from doctors confirming that they were able to resuscitate the soldier. Poghosyan suffered a serious gunshot wound and continues to remain in an extremely serious condition. Doctors are still fighting for his life. 

The Ministry of Defense apologizes to the public and the family of the serviceman.

The names of the soldiers killed following an attack by Azerbaijani forces as reported by the MoD are Andranik Arshak Antonyan, Arsen Aleksandr Mkrtichyan, and Vachagan Saro Vardanyan.

4:10 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that following Azerbaijani attacks against Armenian military positions, the Armenian side has four killed in action and one wounded. Two of the deaths were reported earlier in the day [see 11:11].

3:20 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that as of 3։15 p.m., there is no change to the situation. The intensity of the fire continues to decrease.

2:19 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that as of 2:15 p.m., the intensity of Azerbaijani fire toward the Armenian combat outposts in the vicinities of Sotk and Norabak has decreased.

2:09 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry published video footage that clearly shows how Azerbaijani Armed Forces are concentrating additional resources in the direction of Sotk. 

1:54 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that as of 1:50 p.m., there is no change in the situation. Units of Azerbaijani Armed Forces continue to fire utilizing firearms and mortars toward Armenian combat outposts near Sotk and Norabak. Units of the Armenian Armed Forces are taking appropriate protective measures.

1:30 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that at around 1:30 p.m., units of Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces continue to fire using firearms and mortars toward Armenian combat outposts near Sotk and Norabak.

1:19 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that at around 12:50 p.m., the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces used UAVs and mortars in the direction of Sotk. 

1 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that as a result of their monitoring, concentration of Azerbaijani military equipment and additional personnel have been registered near Sotk.

12:40 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that at around 12:25 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired using firearms at Armenian combat outposts near Norabak. 

12:06 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that the Azerbaijani side is disseminating disinformation that the Armenian Armed Forces are concentrating a large number of weapons, military equipment, and personnel in Sotk. According to the Ministry, by disseminating such false information, the Azerbaijani side is trying to create conditions to justify their military operations that began this morning in the direction of Sotk.

11:25 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that as of 11:20 a.m., the intensity of Azerbaijani fire toward Armenian combat outposts in the vicinity of Sotk has decreased.

11:11 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that there are two killed in action and one wounded on the Armenian side as a result of Azerbaijani fire at Armenian combat outposts near Sotk. 

10:25 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire from different caliber small arms against Armenian combat positions in the vicinity of Sotk. The Azerbaijani army was also using mortars in the direction of Sotk. 

10:20 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that by periodically spreading disinformation yesterday (August 31), Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry was creating the pretext to launch another provocation; and on September 1, starting from 7:50 a.m., Azerbaijani forces opened intense fire on Armenian positions located near Sotk.

August 31

11:21 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that the statement issued by Azerbaijan’s MoD, that on August 31, at around 10:15 p.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces allegedly fired on Azerbaijani combat positions located in the eastern part of the border, does not correspond to reality.

10:09 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refuted Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry statement allegedly that on August 31, at around 8:15 p.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces fired on Azerbaijani combat positions located in the southwestern part of the border.

8:44 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refuted Azerbaijani Defense Ministry’s statement that on August 31, at around 7:30 p.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces allegedly fired on Azerbaijani combat positions located in the eastern part of the border.

August 30

11:40 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refuted the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry’s statement alleging that on August 30, at around 10:35 p.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces fired on te Azerbaijani combat outposts located in the eastern part of the frontier.

August 28

10:15 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on August 27, at around 11:30 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired at Armenian combat outposts near Norabak.

August 27

9:23 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on August 27, between 7:20 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire toward Armenian combat outposts near Verin Shorzha.

August 26

5:14 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refuted the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry’s statement that on August 26, at around 1:30 p.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces allegedly tried to advance in the southwestern direction of the border.

August 24

9:12 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refuted the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry statement that on August 23, at around 11:30 p.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces allegedly fired on Azerbaijani combat positions located in the eastern part of the border.

August 23

9:55 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry statement alleging that on August 23, at around 2:10 a.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces fired on Azerbaijani combat positions located in the eastern part of the border.

8:28 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on August 23, between 1:05 – 2 a.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired on Armenian combat outposts near Verin Shorzha.

August 22

2:11 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refuted the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry statement alleging that on August 22, between 12-12:25 p.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces fired on Azerbaijani combat positions located in the eastern part of the border.

12:07 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refuted the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry statement alleging that Armenian Armed Forces opened fire on Azerbaijani combat positions, wounding an Azerbaijani soldier.

10:08 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refuted the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry statement alleging that units of the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire on Azerbaijani combat positions located in the southwestern and southeastern parts of the frontier zone between 10:50 p.m. and 2:05 a.m. on August 21 and 22.

August 21

10:34 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on August 21, at around 3:30 p.m., units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire against Armenian combat outposts near Akhpradzor, fatally wounding a serviceman, Vanik Aram Ghazaryan. 

1:32 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry has spread false information, alleging that between 10:25-10:30 a.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces fired on Azerbaijani combat outposts located in the eastern part of the border.

11:58 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on August 21, at 9:50 a.m., units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, using different caliber small arms, fired on Armenian outposts near Verin Shorzha.

10 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on August 21, at around 6:10 a.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired using firearms toward Armenian combat outposts in the vicinity of Khnatsakh.

August 20

12:03 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on August 19, between 11-11:25 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired on Armenian combat outposts using firearms in the vicinity of Verin Shorzha.

August 19

7:22 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on August 19, between 3:25 – 4:10 p.m., units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire against the Armenian combat outposts of Akhpradzor.

August 18

2:23 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refuted the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry statement alleging that at around 10:20 a.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces fired against Azerbaijani combat outposts located in the eastern part of the border.

August 17

9:52 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on August 17, between 9:15 – 9:30 p.m., units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired using small arms against the Armenian combat outposts in the vicinity of Yeraskh.

9:56 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry statement alleging that on August 16, at around 11:25 p.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces fired against Azerbaijani combat outposts located in the eastern part of the border.

August 16

8:04 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry statement alleging that at around 6:20 p.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces fired against Azerbaijani combat positions located in the eastern part of the border.

7:07 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry statement alleging that at 5 p.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire toward Azerbaijani combat positions located in the southwestern part of the border.

6:35 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on August 16, at around 5:30 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired on Armenian combat outposts in the vicinity of Norabak.

4 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry published video footage showing how a group of servicemen of Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces approaches Armenian reservist G. V., who appeared on the Azerbaijani side in yet unclarified circumstances [see 1:20 p.m.]. They initially talk to and then apprehend the reservist, taking him by car to an unknown direction. This video footage refutes the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry claims that a group of Armenian servicemen attempted an infiltration in the eastern part of the frontier zone, whose “actions were stopped by shooting.” The circumstances of G.V. being disoriented in the terrain and appearing on the Azerbaijani side are being investigated.

2:35 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry statement alleging that Armenian Armed Forces launched an infiltration attempt in the eastern part of the frontier zone, calling it an absolute falsehood. 

1:20 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on August 16, reservist G.V., according to initial information, left his combat position at will. Search operations are under way to find the participant of the reservist training.

August 15

7:57 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry statement alleging that Armenian Armed Forces fired on Azerbaijani combat outposts located in the eastern part of the border at around 6:05 p.m.

4:56 p.m.: The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) issues a correction: “We confirm that EUMA patrol has been present to the shooting incident in our area of responsibility. No EUMA member was harmed.” [2:57 p.m.]

4:32 p.m.: A video was published on Telegram and later republished by the state-run news agency Armenpress showing an EUMA observer in an Armenian trench saying “they’re shooting [at] us, to our cars, probably.”

3:56 p.m.: The European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) tweets: “No EUMA patrol has been the target of shooting. We patrol alongside the Armenia-Azerbaijan border areas and report to Brussels on military developments, including shooting incidents in our area of responsibility.”  The tweet was subsequently deleted.

2:57 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on August 15, at around 12:20 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces fire targeting the EU observers and their vehicles patrolling in the vicinity of Verin Shorzha. There are no casualties.

August 14

9:51 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on August 14, at around 7:50 p.m., units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces discharged fire from small arms at Armenian combat outposts near Verin Shorzha, wounding an Armenian serviceman.

6 p.m.: The European Union Mission in Armenia tweeted: “EUMA daily monitors military and security situation from 4️ operating bases patrolling alongside the Armenia-Azerbaijan border area. Based on information on the ground, we see no unusual military movement or buildup, especially at the entrance to the Lachin corridor. We keep patrolling the areas.”

1:45 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry statement alleging that the Armenian Armed Forces amassed a large number of weapons, military equipment, and personnel near the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

1:27 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry statement alleging that on August 14, from 9:20 a.m. to 12:35 p.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces discharged fire against the Azerbaijani combat outposts located in the eastern part of the frontier zone.

9 a.m: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry statement alleging that from 10:45 p.m. on August 13 to 7:05 a.m. on August 14, units of the Armenian Armed Forces fired against the Azerbaijani combat outposts located in the eastern and southwestern parts of the border.

August 13

9:50 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on August 13, from 8:30 – 8:50 p.m., the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces discharged fire from small arms at the Armenian combat outposts near Verin Shorzha.

7 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry statement alleging that at around 4:20 p.m., units of the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire against Azerbaijani combat positions located in the eastern part of the frontier zone.

August 12

8:14 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on August 11, from 9:25 – 10:25 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces units opened fire against the Armenian combat outposts in the vicinity of Verin Shorzha.

August 7

8:03 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on August 6, from 8:30 –  9 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired from different caliber small arms at Armenian combat outposts near Kutakan and Tretuk, using mortars as well.

July 12

9:30 a.m: The Armenian Defense Ministry reports that at 5:30 a.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired toward Armenian combat positions near the village of Tegh. As a result, an Armenian serviceman was wounded. The servicemen’s condition is assessed as satisfactory and his life is not in danger.

July 11 

10:35 p.m.: The Armenian Defense Ministry reports that at 8:50 p.m. Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired from small arms targeting Armenian combat positions near Sev Lich (Black Lake) in the Syunik region.

At the same time, the Ministry informs that the statement issued by the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan claiming units of the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at Azerbaijani combat positions in the eastern border from 9:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., does not correspond to reality.

7:30 p.m.: The Armenian Defense Ministry reports that at 5:35 p.m. units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired at Armenian combat positions using different caliber small arms in the direction of Tegh and Sev Lich (Black Lake) in the Syunik region.

June 19

12:45 – 2:20 a.m.: Azerbaijani Armed Forces targeted Armenian combat positions in the eastern Sotk and southwestern Yeraskh directions of the border using different caliber firearms. Armenia’s Defense Ministry reported no casualties.

June 18

3:20 a.m.: Armenia’s Defence Ministry reports that, for over an hour, units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire from different caliber firearms targeting the combat positions located in the eastern, Verin Shorzha, Sotk and southeastern Nerqin Hand directions of the border. No casualties were reported from the Armenian side.

June 17

6:40 p.m.: Armenia’s Defence Ministry reports the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire from different caliber firearms against the Armenian combat positions in Verin Shorzha in the Gegharkunik region of Armenia. No casualties were reported from the Armenian side.

June 16

10:13 a.m.: Armenia’s Defence Ministry reports that once again, Azerbaijani Armed Forces, using different caliber firearms, opened fire in the direction of the metallurgical plant being built with foreign investment in the village of Yeraskh. This is the second such incident, on June 14, Azerbaijan had again opened fire in the direction of the plant wounding two Indian citizens.

June 15

4:20 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that at 3:10 p.m., the armed forces of Azerbaijan used a drone toward the Armenian combat position in the Kapan region.

There are no casualties on the Armenian side.

2 p.m.:  The Border Guard Troops of the Armenian National Security Service report that an Armenian border guard has sustained injuries as a result of Azerbaijani fire in the direction of the village of Tegh in Syunik region at 1:35 p.m. today. Additional information will be made available regarding the condition of the injured serviceman. 

12:06 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that at 11:45 a.m. Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire in the direction of Armenian positions near the village of Tegh using mortars. Tegh is the last village on the Goris-Stepanakert highway before the border with Artsakh. 

11 a.m.: The Border Guard Troops of the Armenian National Security Service reported an attempt by Azerbaijan at 8:40 a.m. to advance in the direction of the Hakari bridge on the Artsakh-Armenia border in order to raise the Azerbaijani flag on the territory of the Republic of Armenia. According to the NSS report, the advance was prevented due to counter-measures by the Armenian side. As of 10 a.m. the situation is relatively stable.

June 14

2:40 p.m.:  Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative to the South Caucasus tweeted: “The EU is following closely developments in the region. The shooting in all areas needs to stop. It is essential to keep up the positive momentum of successive meetings and achieve results at the negotiating table that will benefit Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the entire region.

2 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire in the direction of Armenian positions near Yeraskh using different caliber firearms at 1:45 p.m. No casualties were reported.

12:12 p.m.: Armenia’s Ministry of Defense issued a statement that, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry began spreading misinformation that Armenian Armed Forces had allegedly opened fire on Azerbaijani positions near Yeraskh. According to the Armenian defense ministry this was done to prepare the groundwork for an attack against Armenian positions, which did take place at approximately 11:45 a.m. Azerbaijani forces opened fire in the direction of a new metallurgical plant being constructed (a U.S.-Armenia joint venture) in Yeraskh, wounding two foreigners. The wounded are Indian nationals, Muhamad Asif and Mirhasan Sahanjan.

May 29

4:55 p.m.: Armenia has applied to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) seeking interim measures in the case of the two Armenian servicemen kidnapped by Azerbaijani forces on May 26.

May 28

12:32 p.m.: Aykhan Hajizada, spokesperson of Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, tweeted: “Armenia never learns from past mistakes! Instead of apologizing for subversive actions, the Armenian side spreads fake narrative on imagined infiltration ops by Azerbaijan. Armenia must end provocations, return detained Azerbaijani soldiers, release info on 3890 missing persons.”

May 27

6:38 p.m.: Armenia’s Foreign Ministry states that the illegal abduction of two Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan is an “attempt to deviate from its own obligations.” The MFA calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to release them and fulfill their commitment to release all Armenian POWs in line with the trilateral statement of November 2020 and calls of international partners and institutions.

1:44 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry identifies the two servicemen as Harutyun Yurik Hovakimyan and Karen Ashot Ghazaryan. “Intensive activities are underway to find out the circumstances of the illegal abduction of Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan,” the MoD stated.

11:30 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that a supply vehicle operated by the two servicemen of the Armenian Armed Forces, who were delivering provisions and water to a combat outpost at 7 p.m. on May 26, was found on an inter-positional road.

“On May 26, Azerbaijani media outlets, afterward the State Border Service of Azerbaijan, disseminated misinformation claiming that the Armenian side launched a sabotage-infiltration attempt and that two servicemen of the Armenian Armed forces had been apprehended.

Once again, we inform that the information disseminated by the State Border Service of Azerbaijan regarding the Armenian side’s allegedly sabotage-infiltration attempt is an absolute falsehood and disinformation. The Armenian side has enough proof to deny it, which will be presented to the international partners,” the statement by the Ministry reads. “There was also a weapon of one of the servicemen left in the vehicle, which proves that even if the servicemen got out of the car and had lost their bearings in the area, the servicemen could not have sabotage objectives in mind.”

Intensive activities are underway to find out the circumstances of the illegal abduction of Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan.

May 26

8:23 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry refutes the information disseminated in Azerbaijani media outlets that the Armenian side had made an infiltration attempt in the southeastern part of the border zone, calling it absolutely false.

May 23

8:24 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that from 12:20 a.m. to 1:10 a.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire from different caliber firearms in the direction of Armenian military positions near Kutakan village in the Gegharkunik region. As of 8 a.m., the situation is relatively stable on the borderline.

May 18

6:19 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that at around 5:20 p.m., units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired mortars against Armenian combat positions located in the direction of Norabak in the region of Gegharkunik. There are no losses on the Armenian side and the situation is relatively stable.

May 17

8:26 p.m.: According to Armenia’s Defense Ministry, the serviceman killed as a result of Azerbaijani shooting in the direction of Sotk is Edgar Suleymanyan born in 2003. 

7:26 p.m.: Aram Torosyan, the speaker of Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that the serviceman wounded as a result of the Azerbaijani shooting near Sotk died on the way to the hospital. The paramedic’s life is not in danger. 

5:12 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that at around 4:15 p.m., the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire against the Armenian combat positions located near Sotk in Armenia’s Gegharkunik region. As a result an Armenian serviceman was wounded. The Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire at the ambulance carrying the wounded serviceman. The paramedic accompanying the wounded soldier was also wounded.

May 12

11:10 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that as of 11:10 p.m., the decrease in the intensity of the shooting in Sotk, Kut and Verin Shorzha is being maintained. The Armenian side has one casualty and two wounded. The killed serviceman is Narek Baghdasaryan (b. 2003).

The Defense Ministry also urges people to refrain from spreading videos being disseminated by Azerbaijan as they are fake, some of which are from the 44-day war.

10:05 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that as of 10 p.m., the decrease in the intensity of the shooting in Sotk and Kut is being maintained. However, starting from 9:50 p.m., Azerbaijani forces began firing on Armenian positions in Verin Shorzha. By 10:15 p.m., the MOD reported that the situation had stabilized in Verin Shorzha as well.

9:45 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that as a result of Azerbaijani fire, the Armenian side has one dead, one wounded.

9 p.m.: According to Defense Ministry speaker Aram Torosyan, as of 9 p.m. the intensity of Azerbaijani fire in the direction of Kut and Sotk has significantly decreased. 

8:20 p.m.: Aram Torosyan, the speaker of Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that as of 8 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces continue to fire in the direction of Armenian combat positions located near the villages of Kut and Sotk in Armenia’s Gegharkunik region.

4:50 p.m.: According to Armenia’s Defense Ministry, Azerbaijani forces fired on Armenian positions in the direction of the village of Kut in the Gegharkunik region using large-caliber firearms.

10:42 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that at around 10 a.m. Azerbaijani armed forces violated the ceasefire in the Sotk area using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Two Armenian servicemen were wounded. 

May 11 

9:32 p.m.: In a press briefing, Vedant Patel, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State said the violence in Sotk “undermines the progress made by Armenia and Azerbaijan toward a durable and dignified peace.” He added that the U.S. calls on the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to agree in their upcoming meeting in Brussels to “distance their forces along the border”, as discussed by Secretary Blinken during their talks in Washington in early May.

8:16 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense MInistry reports that Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire in the direction of Verin Shorzha using mortars. There are no losses on the Armenian side.

6:25 p.m.: Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire again this evening using artillery in the direction of the village of Norabak in Gegharkunik region. The Armenian side does not have any casualties.

5:46 p.m.: Defense Ministry speaker Aram Torosyan reports that Azerbaijani Armed Forces violated the ceasefire near Sotk at 5:10 p.m. using mortars. The Armenian side does not have any casualties. As of 5:40 p.m. the situation is relatively stable. 

3:05 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that no significant ceasefire violations were recorded between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. As of 3 p.m., the situation on the front line is relatively stable. 

2:04 p.m.: Aram Torosyan, speaker of Armenia’s Defense Ministry, reports that no significant ceasefire violations were recorded between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. As of 2 p.m., the situation on the front line is relatively stable. 

1:16 p.m.: Defense Ministry spokesperson Aram Torosyan reports that from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces periodically violated the ceasefire in the direction of Sotk. As of 1 p.m. the situation is relatively stable on the borderline. 

11:48 a.m.: The Azerbaijani side has reported one casualty and one wounded soldier as a result of the attack against Armenia near Sotk this morning. 

11 a.m.: During the Cabinet meeting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called Azerbaijan’s actions a provocation stating that they are aimed at nullifying the progress achieved during the negotiations in Washington on May 1-4. The Prime Minister added that Baku also intends to hinder the meetings planned in Brussels on May 14 and Chisinau on June 1 with its recent aggression. 

According to Pashinyan, Azerbaijan only needs the negotiations to provoke new military escalations and uses the escalations to nullify any progress made during those negotiations.  

He went on to say that the Azerbaijani side also wants to divert the attention of the international community and Armenian society from the checkpoint on the Lachin Corridor by creating a new crisis in a new area.

10:45 a.m.: According to Armenia’s Defense Ministry, as  of 10:45 a.m., the situation on Armenia’s border is relatively stable. 

10:27 a.m.: A statement by Armenia’s Foreign Ministry reads: 

“These repeated violations of one of the fundamental principles of international law — the non-use of force or the threat of force — demonstrate contempt of the Azerbaijani side for the agreements, including the obligations assumed by the Trilateral Statement of Sochi on October 31, 2022.

“These actions of Azerbaijan, aimed at destabilizing the situation, are also an open disregard for the meeting held in Washington, the meetings planned in Brussels and Moscow, aimed at the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the efforts made by international partners interested in stability and peace in the South Caucasus.

“We call on the military-political leadership of Azerbaijan to stop the groundless, unjustified and shameful attempts aimed at disrupting the negotiation process by using force and thereby exerting pressure on Armenia.”

10:25 a.m.: Defense Ministry speaker Aram Tororsyan reports that the Armenian side has four wounded as a result of the Azerbaijani attack in the direction of Sotk. The lives of the wounded servicemen are not in danger, their condition is stable. Tensions decreased near Sotk and the situation is relatively stable on other parts of the border. 

10 a.m.: Aram Torosyan, speaker of Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that the tension has decreased significantly on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border near Sotk. The Defense Ministry will issue an additional update regarding the condition of the wounded soldiers. 

9:20 a.m.: Defense Ministry spokesperson Aram Torosyan reports that several Telegram channels of unknown origin are spreading misinformation regarding the number of wounded from the Armenian side. As of 9:20 a.m. that number remains three. The situation in the direction of Sotk has not changed. 

9 a.m.: Aram Tororsyan, the speaker of Armenia’s Defense Ministry, reports that the situation remains unchanged in the direction of Sotk. The situation is also relatively stable in other parts of the border. 

8:45 a.m.: The speaker of Armenia’s Defense Ministry, Aram Torosyan reported that the Azerbaijani attack is ongoing.

8 a.m.: As of 7:20 a.m., Azerbaijani forces continue to fire in the direction of Armenian positions. The Armenian side has three wounded. The Defense Ministry denies accusations by Baku that Armenian Armed forces opened fire in the direction of Azerbaijani military positions, as a result of which an Azerbaijani soldier was wounded. The Armenian side also denies reports in Azerbaijani media that Armenia is using Iranian drones. 

6 a.m.: Starting at 6 a.m. local time, Azerbaijani Armed Forces began firing at Armenian positions in Sotk using artillery and mortars. The Armenian side has two wounded.

April 25

1:26 a.m.: At an open debate in the UN Security Council, Azerbaijani representative Yashar Aliyev listed their demands directed at Armenia: “Abide by its international obligations, completely withdraw its Armed Forces and illegal armed formations from the territory of Azerbaijan, return the still occupied eight border villages of Azerbaijan, cease and desist from territorial claims, illegal activities and disinformation, put an end to mine terrorism, shed light on the fate of several thousand Azerbaijanis who went missing during the conflict, redress the harm caused to Azerbaijan, and engage faithfully in negotiations on a peace treaty and the delimitation of the border between the two States.”

April 23

On April 23, at around 11:50 a.m., Artyom Poghosyan, a serviceman of the Ministry of Defense, was lethally wounded by Azerbaijani fire in the direction of an Armenian combat position located in Sotk.

April 20

11:33 p.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reported that on April 20, between 3:40 p.m. and 7 p.m., Azerbaijani forces opened fire from different caliber firearms in the direction of Armenian combat positions located in Verin Shorzha, also targeting the engineering works. The ministry reported no losses from the Armenian side and said the situation on the front line is relatively stable.

12:30 p.m.: In a press briefing, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told journalists that 1.4 km out of the 5 km “problematic” section in the Tegh area has been “clarified” by Armenian and Azerbaijani border guards. 

“What do I mean by saying clarified? It means that we and the Azerbaijanis have a common opinion on that section, and our border line passes there. This also means that border guards of Armenia are deployed at a certain distance from that border, and the Azerbaijani border guards also at a certain distance from that border,” Pashinyan said. He added that the “problematic” section was thus reduced to 3.6 km and noted that when border guards work together it can lead to concrete results.

April 17

10:28 a.m.: Armenia’s Defense Ministry reports that on April 16, at around 10:50 p.m., Azerbaijani army units opened fire from different caliber firearms towards the Armenian combat positions located in the direction of Sotk. The Armenian side has no losses and the situation on the front line is “relatively stable”.

On April 11, 2023, at approximately 4 p.m., Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire in the direction of Armenian servicemen carrying out engineering work on defensive positions near Syunik region’s Tegh village. This was reported by Armenia’s Defense Ministry spokesperson Aram Torosyan on his Facebook page.

The Defense Ministry later reported that following this latest “provocation” by Azerbaijan, the Armenian side has four confirmed dead and six injured. The statement goes on to say that the Azerbaijani side has numerous dead and wounded. Information released by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense also confirms numerous casualties on their side.

After the initial attack, at approximately 5:30 p.m., it was reported that units of Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces were “continuing its provocations” by utilizing mortars and that Armenian forces were “taking necessary defensive measures.”

By 7 p.m., the situation had stabilized according to a statement by the Defense Ministry. “Rumors about shelling in the direction of Vardenis at the moment do not correspond to the truth, the mentioned direction is relatively stable at the moment,” the statement read. “Information being disseminated by Azerbaijani news that the Armenian side is utilizing Iranian drones does not correspond to reality. There are no Iranian drones in the arsenal of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia.”

The statement goes on to ask people to refrain from disseminating unverified information and to rely solely on official communication. As of 8:30 p.m., the situation continues to remain relatively stable.

Background of the April 11 Escalation

On March 31, Azerbaijani Armed Forces advanced in the territory of Armenia, near Syunik region’s Tegh village. In a statement, Armenia’s National Security Service said that according to agreements reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan in August 2022, from April 1, 2023 the Lachin Corridor will end at the Kornidzor bridge and the route connecting Armenia to the Lachin Corridor will pass entirely through the territory of Armenia by the Kornidzor-Tegh road. After August 2022, a part of the road still passed through the territory of Azerbaijan and was controlled by Russian peacekeepers.

According to agreements reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan on March 29, the border guards of the two countries were to be deployed on both sides of the border along the aforementioned section in the last days of March. Due to misinterpretations of maps during deployment, Azerbaijani units advanced into Armenia’s territory 100-300 meters in five areas, without waiting for pre-arranged adjustments. They started to position themselves and carried out engineering works. It has now been agreed that cartographers from both sides will correct the situation. The NSS also said that the Armenian side was approaching the situation with the logic of preventing a new escalation.

On April 6, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced during a cabinet meeting that the situation around the village of Tegh improved to a certain extent; the deployment points of 7 kilometers out of the 12 km section of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border in question have been clarified, the works on 5 kilometers are ongoing.