Shooting Directly at Residential Areas: Human Rights Defender Reports on Border Tensions

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia has received reports from the village of Vayin Shorja and the civilian settlement called Sarateghi in the Gegharkunik region. It was reported that Azerbaijani armed forces began intense gunfire early this morning, around 03:30-03:40.

All reports indicate that Azerbaijani soldiers are shooting directly at their own settlements. According to residents, the gunfire towards the village is only prevented by the return fire from the Armenian Armed Forces.

The Human Rights Defender’s office has been regularly receiving alerts from residents in recent days, stating that Azerbaijani soldiers continually open fire in the direction of the villages of Vayin Shorja and Kut, disrupting the peaceful life of the entire village. Each time, the gunfire is only being countered by the return fire from the Armenian armed forces.

The Human Rights Defender specifically notes that these periodic criminal acts by Azerbaijani armed forces grossly violate the rights to life and health of the civilian population in the Gegharkunik villages, disrupt peaceful life, and prevent residents from engaging in agricultural activities.

This urgent message will be sent to international bodies, emphasizing the need for decisive actions to prevent Azerbaijani gunfire on the Armenian villages.

Earlier, the Armenian Ministry of Defense released a statement saying that on July 28, at approximately 03:40, Azerbaijani armed forces launched an attack on Armenian positions located in the northeastern direction of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. Local fighting has erupted, which, as of 07:00, is still ongoing. Preliminary information indicates that there are casualties on both sides. Data is being verified.