Azerbaijanis Set Fire to Road Section Leading from Norabak Village to Azat: Ombudsman

Azerbaijani armed forces have reportedly ignited fires again yesterday, September 4, near the village of Azat in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia, specifically in the area of the road leading from Norabak village to Azat (adjacent to an Azerbaijani position). This was communicated by the Ombudsman of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, on his Facebook page.

"According to current data, approximately 40 hectares of pastureland have burned, with local residents relying on this grass as fodder due to its scarcity. Reports indicate that there are no new outbreaks of fire in the village of Kut, but there are smoldering areas that have shifted direction towards Azerbaijani positions (nonetheless, this pertains to the territory of the Republic of Armenia and land utilized by its farmers). A new outbreak of fire has also arisen near the village of Sotk.

Since August 29, due to the actions of Azerbaijani armed forces, civilian-owned pastures and hayfields have been destroyed, depriving people of their sources of livelihood, which in turn contributes to the increase of social problems among the inhabitants.

These fires pose a real threat to the lives of the civilian population and to all their property, with weather conditions further exacerbating the spread of the fires.

The reported incidents have been verified by the regional division of the Human Rights Defender’s Office in Gegharkunik and have been confirmed with objective evidence. I am publishing a video documenting the situation. All relevant materials will be compiled and analyzed and sent to international organizations, appropriate Armenian authorities, and NGOs according to the established procedures."