Several Dozens of Our Soldiers Captured by Azerbaijani Forces in Khuzaberd Direction: Harutyunyan

Unfortunately, several dozens of our soldiers have been captured by Azerbaijani forces in the Khuzaberd direction, and the Ministry of Defense is currently clarifying all circumstances, reported Artsakh President Araik Harutyunyan in his address.

“Nevertheless, the Azerbaijani side continues its constant provocative behavior, of which their recent actions in the Khuzaberd and Berdadzor areas are prominent examples. Various provocations by Azerbaijani armed forces were prevented by the soldiers of the Defense Army and Russian peacekeepers, and last night they were pushed back from the vicinity of the ancient village of Shushi. During these days, no individuals have been harmed in the Berdadzor direction, and the adversary has been denied entry into any settlements.

Unfortunately, several dozens of our soldiers have been captured by Azerbaijani forces in the Khuzaberd direction, and the Ministry of Defense is currently clarifying all circumstances. I will personally ensure that those responsible for this incident are held legally accountable. Their swift and safe return to the Homeland must be the focus of our forthcoming efforts, and we are already taking steps in this direction.

Considering the peacekeeping mandate assumed by the Russian Federation in Artsakh, it is clear that violations of the provisions of the trilateral statement of November 9 and the established contact line show a blatant disrespect towards both Russia's mediation efforts and peacekeeping mandate. Therefore, we are working with the military-political leadership of the Republic of Armenia and the Russian side to jointly prevent Azerbaijani provocations, and of course, the Defense Army continues to fulfill its duties within the limits of existing possibilities,” he shared in his address today.