Shooting Occurred Near Shushi: Russian Defense Ministry

The Russian peacekeeping contingent continues to carry out its tasks in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, reports the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.

Russian peacekeepers are conducting round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and the maintenance of the ceasefire regime at 27 observation posts.

“On August 9 at 17:45, shooting occurred in the Shushi area between the armed formations of Nagorno-Karabakh and the Azerbaijani armed forces. The shooting was halted thanks to the efforts of Russian peacekeepers, and there were no casualties. In connection with this incident, an investigation is being conducted by the command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent together with the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides,” stated the report.

Additionally, Russian peacekeepers have escorted two columns of construction machinery from the Republic of Azerbaijan. During the day, 3 hectares of land were cleared of unexploded ordnance, and 1 km of road was inspected, discovering 2 explosive items.

Continuous communication is maintained with the General Staffs of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan and Armenia to coordinate efforts to prevent possible incidents in the responsibility zone of the Russian peacekeeping contingent.

It is reminded that on September 27, 2020, the Azerbaijani side launched military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh and occupied most of it, including the city of Shushi. On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev issued a joint declaration regarding the cessation of military operations that began on September 27.

The trilateral statement particularly mentions that by November 15, Azerbaijan would return Kelbajar (later this deadline was extended by 10 days), by November 20, the Aghdam region, and by December 1, the Lachin region, leaving a corridor 5 km wide that would ensure Armenia's connection, but not touching Shushi.

Moreover, Russian peacekeeping forces of 1,960 personnel will be deployed along the contact line in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin corridor, equipped with firearms, 90 armored personnel carriers, 380 vehicles, and special equipment. The peacekeepers will remain for five years with the possibility of automatic extension unless the sides announce six months before the expiration that they intend to terminate this provision.

It is also mentioned that internally displaced persons and refugees are returning to Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent regions, exchanges of prisoners of war and other detained persons are being conducted, while all economic and transport links in the region are blocked.