Azerbaijani Armed Forces Fire Towards Aravus Village in Syunik Region, Ombudsman's Office Receives Alerts

The Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan posted on Facebook that early this morning, alerts were presented to the Armenian Human Rights Defender regarding gunfire directed at the village of Aravus in the Syunik region around midnight to 1 AM. Residents of the village confirmed these reports to the Human Rights Defender, asserting that sniper fire was also directed at the positions of the Armenian Armed Forces.

The gunfire was reported to have occurred in an area of the Aravus village where Azerbaijani armed forces are stationed just a few hundred meters away from civilian houses. Right across from them, Armenian Armed Forces are positioned, tasked with ensuring the safety and security of the residents.

According to the information gathered by the office of the Human Rights Defender, the Azerbaijani gunfire ceased after the arrival of local community bodies, the 1st Army Corps of the Republic of Armenia, and the Russian border guard command. The gunfire from Azerbaijan towards Aravus village last night is deemed criminal and disrupts the normal, peaceful life and security of the people.

These facts demonstrate that the presence of Azerbaijani armed forces in close proximity to Armenian villages and along community roads violates the right to life of the residents. They also infringe upon people's rights to property, freedom of movement, and other vital rights. It is clear that the rights of the people can only be ensured within the conditions of a security zone.