Movement Noted in Enemy Positions: What is Happening in Verin Shorzha and Kut Villages

Yesterday, the Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan announced on his Facebook page that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, which invaded the villages of Sotk, Kut, and Verin Shorzha in Gegharkunik, have increased the number of soldiers and military equipment, showing increased activity.

In connection with this issue, LURER.com contacted the heads of the Verin Shorzha and Kut communities, both of whom reported noticing activity in the enemy positions. “We see movement in the enemy positions; they are collecting a large amount of wood with vehicles, probably preparing for winter,” said Artem Yeranosyan, the head of the Verin Shorzha community, in an interview with the news outlet.

He is of the opinion that if the Azerbaijanis have come into Armenian territory, it is absurd to expect them to leave. “Did you think they would come, sit here, and leave? They plan to stay there; they have no intention of going back at all,” he stated, adding that although the Azerbaijanis are quite close to the civilian population, people have adapted to the current situation. “Previously, when they saw the Azerbaijanis, they were surprised, but now they see them every morning; they have gotten used to it.”

Addressing the lack of fortifications in the Armenian positions, Artem Yeranosyan mentioned that ongoing improvements are constantly being made on their side. “Work is being carried out on smoothing the roads along our entire border so that vehicles can easily access the positions. Initially, the troops were in tents, now they are gradually adding more cabins,” noted the head of the Verin Shorzha community.

He also recalled the deliberate setting of fire by the Azerbaijanis to create hotspots. According to Artem Yeranosyan, the purpose was to prevent the Armenian side from seeing what the Azerbaijanis were doing in their positions since the slopes of the mountains concealed their movements when set ablaze.

When asked if they were no longer worried that Azerbaijani soldiers might advance again by improving their positions, the community leader responded, “Where else would they come? They are standing right at the edge of our village. If we leave our positions, they will certainly advance, but we are firmly standing our ground,” emphasized the head of the Verin Shorzha community, noting that there are no peacekeepers at the village borders, as they are guarded by military personnel. However, if the need arises, the men of the village are ready to take up positions.

We also spoke with Sima Chitchyan, the head of the Kut community, who stated that there has always been movement in the enemy positions. “I cannot say whether they are building a road or preparing for winter. It is only visible that there are vehicles in the enemy's positions,” he mentioned. Although he insists that society is not fully adapted to the current situation, there is no emigration from the village; people are hopeful for good news.

Addressing the sporadic gunfire from the Azerbaijanis, Sima Chitchyan stated that there are mainly no gunfire directed towards the village, and if there are, they are not audible from home. “If you are outside, you can hear their sounds. The shooting usually starts around midnight, between 00:00-01:00. Sometimes I don’t hear their sounds, and the next day the villagers say, ‘Did you hear? They were shooting again last night,’” concluded the head of the Kut community.