Serious incident in Tavush Region of line of contact. One Armenian soldier reported killed. Azerbaijanis report Armenian shelling overnight.

Armenian sources report an incident on the northern sector of the line of contact seperating Armenian and Azerbijani forces. They claim that Azerbaijani forces fired on cars travelling on the Berd-Ijevan Highway in the Tavush Region in the north of Armenia. A car carrying conscript soldiers was hit  and one Armenian soldier died and three others were injured. The same sources also say that a cars carrying civilians were also hit by the shooting, although no civilian casualties were reported.

If confirmed the incident is a serious escalation in the current low intensity exchanges that regularly violate the cease fire that has been in place since 1994. Although exchange of fire takes place regularly right across the line of contact, the targeting of vehicles well beyond the line of contact marks an escalation beyond the usual incidents. The Armenian authorities say that the incident has been reported to the OSCE and that there will an adequate response.

There was no comment on the incident by the Azerbaijani side. However, in the meantime Azerbaijani military sources told the media that Armenian army units fired on the positions of Azerbaijani Army in Gizilhajili village and unamed hills in the Kazakh region from their posts in Berkaber village of Armenia's Icevan region on Tuesday and early Wednesday. The positions of Azerbaijani Army were also fired from the positions on unamed hills in the Goranboy region. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry's press service told the news agency APA that "the enemy was silenced by retaliation fire".

source: commonspace.eu with agencies

Photo: Map showing the Berd - Ijevan highway in the Tavush region in northern Armenia.

 

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Thailand and Cambodia to hold talks in Malaysia on Monday

Thailand and Cambodia to hold talks in Malaysia on Monday

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to hold talks in Malaysia on Monday in an attempt to negotiate an end to a conflict that has lasted four days. Thailand said on Sunday a delegation led by acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai would attend, after US President Donald Trump called the leaders of both countries on Saturday to press for an immediate ceasefire. The Thai government said it had been told by Malaysia that Cambodian Prime Minister Hum Manet would also attend. At least 33 soldiers and civilians have been killed while thousands of Thai and Cambodian nationals have been displaced since border fighting broke out on 24 July.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Thailand and Cambodia to hold talks in Malaysia on Monday

Thailand and Cambodia to hold talks in Malaysia on Monday

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to hold talks in Malaysia on Monday in an attempt to negotiate an end to a conflict that has lasted four days. Thailand said on Sunday a delegation led by acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai would attend, after US President Donald Trump called the leaders of both countries on Saturday to press for an immediate ceasefire. The Thai government said it had been told by Malaysia that Cambodian Prime Minister Hum Manet would also attend. At least 33 soldiers and civilians have been killed while thousands of Thai and Cambodian nationals have been displaced since border fighting broke out on 24 July.