Defense Minister Visits Hypothermic Contract Soldier in Hospital

On March 23, Armenian Defense Minister Vagharshak Harutyunyan visited the Central Military Hospital of the Ministry of Defense and met with contracted soldier Karen Shahnazaryan, who suffered from hypothermia after getting lost while moving from one combat position to another under heavy snowfall.

This information was provided by the press service of the Armenian Ministry of Defense. The soldier's health condition is considered moderate to serious. The Minister conversed with Karen Shahnazaryan, wishing him a speedy recovery.

The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia has provided details regarding the soldiers whose communication was lost on March 21 while transitioning between combat positions in severe snowfall conditions.

As previously reported, on March 21, during harsh snow conditions, communication was lost with contract soldiers K. Shahnazaryan and A. Hovhannisyan while moving between combat positions of military unit N. On the same day, extensive search and rescue operations began, hampered by continuous snowstorms. By the afternoon of March 22, it was possible to locate the soldiers. All necessary measures were taken to evacuate them. After the evacuation work was carried out under extremely difficult weather conditions, K. Shahnazaryan was transported to the military hospital, where his condition was assessed as serious. Unfortunately, A. Hovhannisyan's life could not be saved. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia shares the deep sorrow of this loss and expresses solidarity with the family, loved ones, and colleagues of the deceased soldier.

Materials are being prepared at the military police to clarify the circumstances of the incident.