Our response will be tougher than ever: Tonoyan on enemy's actions

The Minister of Defense of Armenia, David Tonoyan, has issued a message stating that the Defense Army of the Republic of Artsakh is determinedly repelling all enemy advances, inflicting heavy losses on the adversary.

Tonoyan emphasized that the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, as the guarantor of Artsakh's security, are prepared to provide any support necessary to ensure the safety of the civilian population in Artsakh.

“This morning, grossly violating international humanitarian law and the logic of a peaceful negotiation process for the resolution of the conflict, Azerbaijani armed forces launched an attack along the entire contact line of Artsakh-Azerbaijan forces, targeting the positions of the Defense Army and peaceful settlements in Artsakh. Thus, the entire responsibility for the consequences of military actions lies with the Azerbaijani political and military leadership. It is already evident that, having learned no lessons from their past disgraceful defeats, the Azerbaijani authorities have once again overestimated their capabilities, for which, I am confident, they will be severely punished,” the Minister of Defense noted in his message.

He stated that this adventurous undertaking will have serious consequences for the enemy, and the response will be tougher than ever. Tonoyan highlighted that the Armenian army possesses all necessary means to once again crush the adversary that perpetrates aggression against the homeland.

“Dear compatriots, comrades-in-arms, all of our historical victories have been achieved through unity. I am confident that at this decisive moment we will together and honorably fulfill our combat mission, teaching a lesson to the enemy that only understands the language of force,” Tonoyan stated.

Along the entire contact line with Artsakh, Azerbaijan began active shelling in the early morning of September 27. Peaceful settlements, including the capital Stepanakert, are also being shelled. Azerbaijani armed forces have lost 2 helicopters and 14 UAVs, as well as suffered losses in armored equipment. As a result of Azerbaijan's attack, one woman and one child have been killed in the Martuni region. There are dozens of injured civilians with various degrees of bodily harm. The adversary has also shelled schools, including in Stepanakert.

A state of war has been declared in the Republic of Armenia, along with a general mobilization.