The Condition of the Soldier Who Self-Inflicted a Gunshot Wound Remains Severe - Deputy Minister of Defense

On January 24, a soldier who self-inflicted a gunshot wound was transferred to Yerevan; a second surgical intervention has not yet taken place. This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, Gabriel Balayan, in a brief conversation with journalists before a ceremony honoring the 28th anniversary of the formation of the Armenian army.

“There is no need for such action at this time, as we are awaiting further steps from the doctors based on the dynamics of the situation. The condition remains severe, while the life of the other injured soldier is not in danger; all necessary medical measures have been taken and he will soon return to his service,” the deputy minister stated.

Earlier reports indicated that on January 24, around 06:55, soldiers stationed at one of the military units in the northern direction of the Armed Forces sustained gunshot wounds under still unclear circumstances; among them were soldiers Henry-Haik Simon Zakaryan, born in 2001, and Armen Johnik Mesropyan, born in 2000. The condition of the injured soldier Henry-Haik Simon Zakaryan is assessed as severe. An investigation is underway to clarify the details of the incident.

Addressing the condition of Lieutenant Colonel Ara Mkhitaryan, who was injured in a separate incident in Vayots Dzor, Balayan mentioned that his situation has not changed, remaining the same as it was in the initial days.

It is worth recalling that on the night of September 18, 2019, Lieutenant Colonel Ara Mkhitaryan was assaulted in the town of Yeghegnadzor in the Vayots Dzor region. Former governor Trrdat Sargsyan was also suspected of involvement in the assault. However, the Investigative Committee indicated that the former governor was not an eyewitness to the assault and was not present at the scene. As part of the criminal case, Vayots Dzor Governor's assistant Harutyun Grigoryan and his brother Zaven Grigoryan were charged, having been accused of striking Ara Mkhitaryan with fists and a baton.