They Came and Said 'Gather and Leave': Forces Withdrawn After Negotiations, Our Equipment Taken, Says Veteran

“They have made approximately a 2 km advance. This is above the Sisian ‘polygons’. Below is the village of Noravan, then Sisian,” said Ephrem Margaryan, a veteran who discussed the incident that took place in the eastern section of the border with Factinfo.

“Yesterday, following the actions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, negotiations were futile, and the Armenian Armed Forces units were withdrawn from four combat positions. Azerbaijani soldiers approached our guards in large numbers and issued an ultimatum for them to leave. The Armenian soldiers did not open fire. As a result, the opposing forces managed to push the Armenian soldiers out from the four positions that were located within the territory of Armenia.”

Margaryan, who previously conducted military duties in that region, expressed surprise at the Azerbaijani advances, noting, “Even a 10-minute engagement would have sufficed to annihilate them. Now I am astonished; how did they manage to advance?”

“A heavily armed person comes to dislodge someone armed like him. Who imagined that they would enter those positions? They came and said, ‘Gather and leave here.’ The Turkish side was aware of why they were coming. Our soldiers were the first to fire.” He is confident that the soldiers reported to their superiors, who in turn communicated up the chain. “The order was not to fire. The terrain is such that you cannot miss seeing an advance; it is situated above the Sisian ‘Polygons.’”

The Defense Ministry reported that on the previous day, attempts were made to ensure an advance in the area, followed by intense gunfire. Armenian guards prevented the enemy's attempts to establish themselves in that area. Later discussions began. Margaryan mentioned that the outcome was painful; the Azerbaijanis seized yet another piece of Armenian territory along with Armenian equipment and ammunition.

“Negotiations went on, the Turks came, and they took our three positions unharmed, carried off military equipment as well. The result shows that the Turks have put us in a subordinate position, taking our equipment, our fuel, our vehicles, while the personnel are being beaten and insulted. What are the results of these negotiations?”

The veteran insists that there should be a response to force with force and notes, “In the past, girls did not get married to those who had not served in the army, yet now the people have given the country to those who have not served.” He expresses astonishment at the local command structure, questioning how they can remain in their offices knowing such incidents have occurred in their entrusted defensive lines without taking action.

“They should have sent special forces; they could have armed us, the volunteers, and told us to go solve the issues. It would have taken 15 minutes. If they wanted gunfire, they would have received it. They don’t want it; that is why do not be surprised to hear such things every day.”

Margaryan recalls the days when in May, when Azerbaijanis were first advancing into Armenia's sovereign territory. Well-known volunteer units were conducting military duties there. High combat operations were underway. The Azerbaijanis were aware that volunteers would not obey orders, and if attacked, they would receive a response. The volunteers were thanked and consequently removed from that area, after which conscript and contract soldiers took over the duty.

There are currently no explanations regarding the incident. He states that the Azerbaijani side, particularly its press, presents narratives that Armenian soldiers were “beaten” and then “fled” from their positions.

“This does not happen without reason. How can it be that all positions are secured with weapons and ammunition, and such a thing occurs? Everyone who puts a tongue in the mouth of the Turk bears responsibility for the security of the country. I understand they are doing everything to avoid war. I agree we are not yet ready, but does the Turk beat a soldier out of his position and present that to the world? The name of the Armenian is reduced to zero. If we do not wish to protect ourselves, how can we appear as good in any country's eyes?” the veteran stated indignantly.

Margaryan emphasizes that they do not make independent decisions without keeping the higher echelons informed. Regarding reports that the Defense Minister resigned after the incident and an inexperienced former Deputy Prime Minister Suren Papikyan was appointed, Margaryan noted that the appointment is senseless and merely formal.

“Suren Papikyan has nothing to do with the army or military construction. What victories has he shown in any realm that he should deal with national defense? What does he understand? If he is to be a figurehead, he will still be guided by the staff military personnel; why not appoint those military personnel?”

Margaryan added that the commander of the unit, as well as the commanders of the battalion and company, along with the personnel, serve. As a result, only the Armenian soldier suffers, fearful of being held accountable for a retreat.

“Everyone is oathbreakers. As a result, the nation reaps what it deserves. The combat spirit of the Armenian soldier is not elevated anywhere. The army has a deputy for personnel who must raise the combat and moral-psychological state of the soldier. Our soldier’s psychological state is equivalent to zero; providing photos and lies does not solve the issue,” added the veteran.