Soldiers Reportedly Went for Cigarettes and Fuel Before Disappearance, Prosecutor's Office Provides Details

As previously reported, contact was lost with two contract soldiers from the combat outpost of the military unit N of the RA Armed Forces in the interposition area on March 21. After conducting search operations under difficult weather conditions, they were found on March 22. Unfortunately, one of them could not be saved, while the other, whose condition is assessed as severe, is receiving necessary medical assistance at the Central Military Hospital.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, following the instruction of the military prosecutor of the Yeghgnadzor garrison, materials were prepared at the RA Police Vayk Division immediately after receiving information about the disappearance of the soldiers. According to the data obtained from the prepared materials, on March 20 around 09:00, they left the combat position with the aim of bringing back cigarettes and fuel and walked to a combat position located about 1.5 km away. Due to worsening weather conditions, they were forced to remain there, and while trying to return the next day, they got lost in severe snow conditions and failed to reach the outpost.

A criminal case has been initiated at the Yeghgnadzor garrison military prosecutor's office under the features of Part 3 of Article 376 of the RA Criminal Code to fully, comprehensively, and objectively clarify all circumstances of the incident, the conditions of carrying out combat duty, and the possible negligence and criminal omissions of relevant officials regarding the measures taken to ensure the safety of soldiers. By order of the prosecutor, the criminal case has been sent to the 8th garrison investigative division of the RA Investigative Committee.

Notice: The suspect or accused in the alleged crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the RA through a legally binding court verdict.