Significant clashes are currently taking place on the Armenia/Azerbaijan border, in Tegh, Syunik, with both sides accusing each other of starting it, as is often the case. Initially clashes opened up with small arms fire, but both sides have accused the other of firing mortars and “high-calibre weapons”. Both Azerbaijan and Armenia have reported casualties, with Azerbaijan claiming Armenia “suffered significant losses”, but neither have released specific numbers. Both nations Ministries of Defence have released several statements on the issue, which may be viewed below.
It should be noted the Azeri statement uses different names for the region.
Azerbaijan:
On April 11, the Armenian armed forces units from the positions in the direction of the Digh settlement of the Gorus region using small arms subjected to intensive fire the Azerbaijan Army’s opposing positions stationed in the direction of the Lachin region.
As a result of the provocation committed by the opposing side, the Azerbaijan Army’s servicemen became Shehids (meaning Martyrs) and were wounded.
The Azerbaijan Army Units are taking adequate retaliatory measures.
On April 11, the Armenian armed forces units subjected to intensive fire the Azerbaijan Army’s positions stationed in the direction of the Lachin region in order to commit a provocation.
The provocation of the Armenian side is being resolutely suppressed as a result of the vigilance of the Azerbaijan Army’s servicemen.
The Armenian armed forces units suffered significant losses as a result of the retaliatory measures taken by the Azerbaijan Army Units.
Currently, the Armenians, using mortars and large-caliber weapons, are subjecting to fire the Azerbaijan Army’s positions.
Necessary steps are being taken to suppress the firing positions of the opposing side.
The Azerbaijan Army Units completely control the operational situation.
We call the public to be restrained and refer only to official data.
Armenia:
On April 11, at around 4 p.m., the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire in the direction of the Armenian Armed Forces’ servicemen who were carrying out engineering works in the direction of the Tegh community. The Armenian side resorted to retaliatory actions.
According to preliminary information, the Armenian side has losses and wounded. The Ministry of Defence will report an additional statement.
Azerbaijani Armed Forces continue the provocation. At around 5:30 p.m.,the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces used mortars in the same direction
The units of the Armed Forces of Armenia take the necessary defensive measures. The Ministry of Defence will release an additional report.
Due to both sides accusing the other of starting each incident, it can be difficult to initially determine who is at fault for any particular escalation. However, the EU observer mission and the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Artsakh oftentimes name Azerbaijan as the culprit.
Updates to follow.
