Azerbaijani Armed Forces Fired at Verin Shorja Village; Residents Forced to Shelter Overnight, Ombudsman Reports

The Armenian Human Rights Defender received reports today that the Azerbaijani armed forces fired shots on July 23, 2021, near the settlement called Sarategh, close to the village of Verin Shorja in Gegharkunik Province.

Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan informed that from approximately 8:00 PM to 12:30 AM on July 23, the Azerbaijani armed forces conducted intensive fire on the positions of the Armenian armed forces using weapons of various calibers, as well as directed fire towards the settlement of Sarategh. This location is inhabited seasonally during the spring, summer, and autumn months by dozens of civilians who graze their livestock in the area.

According to local residents, the Azerbaijani armed forces created a serious threat to their lives and physical security, disrupting the tranquility of the entire settlement. They were forced to shelter overnight due to the ongoing gunfire. As a result of the shooting, they discovered one of their cows dead from Azerbaijani gunfire the following morning, July 24, around 7:00 AM.

Additionally, reports have indicated that the Azerbaijani armed forces fired again today, July 24, between 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM.

Since May 12, 2021, the houses in Sarategh, near the village of Verin Shorja, have been under direct fire from Azerbaijani armed forces following their illegal intrusion into the sovereign territory of Armenia. Furthermore, they are positioned approximately 150 meters from civilian houses.

The actions of the Azerbaijani armed forces are criminal. This is proven against the backdrop of recent gunfire from the Azerbaijani armed forces near the villages of Kut, Sotk, Azat, and Verin Shorja, and is also evidenced by the fact that in recent days, Armenian servicemen have been killed or injured due to gunfire in that area.

The facts clearly demonstrate that the presence of Azerbaijani armed personnel near Armenian civilian settlements, especially in the border areas of Gegharkunik, Syunik, and recently also in Ararat (for example, the village of Yeraskh), constitutes a violation of the right to life for Armenian residents. Their actions violate the rights to property, freedom of movement, livelihood through agriculture, and other vital rights of Armenian citizens. They undermine the tranquility and normal life of the civilian population.

Moreover, the fact of Azerbaijani gunfire on July 23 has also been officially confirmed by the Armenian Ministry of Defense in Gegharkunik Province.