Azerbaijanis Have Approached Agarak from Two Sides: Positions Closed in to 4km and 1km, Gunfire Reported - Village Head

“Azerbaijanis are firing shots periodically,” mentioned Agarak village head Haik Sargsyan in an interview with “Factinfo,” adding that the shots are random and directed towards the sky. “It has always been this way; at one time it was calm, but now it has started again,” Sargsyan said, noting that while the gunfire is not dangerous, it causes concern among residents.

Azerbaijani soldiers are firing both small and large caliber weapons near the Syunik villages at different times. Footage proving this was taken two days ago. The firing point is approximately 1 km away from Agarak village. Sargsyan reported that the enemy is located just that distance away from the lower part of the village, while from the upper part, Azerbaijanis have advanced again and are now monitoring the borders from 4 km away. “When they speak, it can be heard in the village. Yesterday wasn’t the first day they advanced again; they are now stationed at the upper part of the village. They are 4 km away, right above the village. Before they came closer, they were quite far, now they have occupied the line. We have border guards, and the Russians have also been on duty around the clock for two days. They have advanced with the permission of Russians and have settled on their line across our border. We also have villages where the roads pass through their territory; they allow passage. They are only a kilometer away from the lower area,” he added.

Concerns about Agarak have been raised for a long time, primarily regarding the issue of permissions to carry hunting weapons, so residents can arm themselves for self-defense, but they do not have weapons, which they consider to be a serious problem. There are 40 houses in Agarak, and areas that used to be part of the village have now become military positions. Authorities have not offered assistance, and only the mayor supports the village.

The main road to Agarak has also been closed. Since November 10, the 4 km stretch has been taken over by Azerbaijan, forcing residents to use an alternative route that is 6.5 km longer and in miserable condition. “It used to be in worse condition; the mayor has repaired it as much as possible,” Sargsyan emphasized.

Gunfire can also be heard from Yeghvard, village head Spartak Zakaryan informed the media, stating that while problems are not very evident in the village now, they are waiting for spring. “So far, there are no issues. When spring arrives, we will see whether good things or troubles come along. The borders are drawn through bilateral negotiations; I currently do not see any delimitation activities through bilateral negotiations,” he said. In Yeghvard, the route to the regional center has also been extended, and they are using alternative routes. The quality of these roads is substandard. With the support of the mayor, a partially repaired road has become unusable due to predominantly being covered in gravel.