The Armenian Defense Ministry reported on Saturday that Azerbaijani forces had fired upon a military position in Gegharkunik Province.
The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. local time when Azerbaijani forces targeted an Armenian position near Verin Shorzha. The Defense Ministry released the precise geographic coordinates of the attack.
In response to Azerbaijan’s claim, issued at 12:45 p.m. local time on Saturday, that Armenian forces had initiated the gunfire, Armenia’s Defense Ministry promptly refuted the allegation.
This incident follows a previous attack on February 13, where Azerbaijani forces targeted Armenian positions in the Verin Hand region of Syunik Province, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers and injuries to another. Former Armenian human rights defender Arman Tatoyan asserted that this attack originated from Azerbaijani positions situated within Armenia’s sovereign territory.
Given the encroachment of Azerbaijani forces into Gegharkunik Province in September 2022, it is plausible that Saturday’s attack may have stemmed from Azerbaijani positions within Armenia. These positions have been fortified due to Azerbaijan’s refusal to withdraw its troops from Armenian territory. However, no reports of casualties or injuries from Saturday’s attack have been provided.
