The Adversary Is Doing Everything to Secure Positions and Dictate Conditions, Says Deputy Mayor

Following a day of heightened tensions along the border, the situation in Armenia's eastern border area is relatively calm today. Gunfire was heard even in Goris the day before. Deputy Mayor Karen Kocharyan stated in an interview with "Factinfo" that he cannot provide a comprehensive assessment of what occurred, as entry to the area was prohibited. Military operations were taking place near the heights of Ishkhanasar and Tsitsernakar.

“At the moment, we have no data, we are not authorized to enter the area; we are not allowed in, so I cannot report anything. We have only advised volunteers to be prepared – nothing more,” he said.

The Deputy Mayor of Goris noted that no evacuations have been made from any locality in the community: “We are not even considering that possibility.”

Regarding whether the Azerbaijani side aims to realize its aspirations for a "Corridor" and is trying to position itself on the heights near the customs post located at two sections of the main highway, Kocharyan expressed his personal opinion that the enemy's purpose is to establish a foothold.

“Of course, the adversary is doing everything to secure positions, to dictate conditions, and to dominate. The enemy will do everything to hold dominant areas – whether in our territory or theirs,” he stated.

Addressing the security of three localities in Goris that find themselves in a semi-blockaded situation, the Deputy Mayor mentioned that essential goods are reaching the area, support is provided to residents, and efforts are made to ensure their safety. “Currently, the army is present, ensuring safety, while essential services in the villages are being carried out in cooperation with the regional administration,” Kocharyan said.

In the context of the previous day’s tensions, gunfire was also heard in the village of Noravan in Sisian. The administrative head of Noravan reported that as of 11:00, the situation is calm, and he cannot provide comments on military matters. The developments from yesterday took place far from the residential area, more than 10 kilometers away.

It should be noted that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched a large-scale attack on Armenian positions stationed in the eastern border area the day before. As a result of the hostilities on November 16, the adversary has up to 70 casualties and wounded personnel, as well as significant losses in military equipment, specifically 4 armored personnel carriers, 1 Sandcat armored vehicle, and 5 automotive units. The Armenian side has 1 killed and 13 captured servicemen, with contact lost with an additional 24 servicemen during the combat operations, and their fate is currently unknown. Intensive efforts are underway to locate the servicemen. The adversary has taken control of two combat outposts.

Negotiations are ongoing with Russian mediation regarding the resolution of the situation and the return of captured Armenian servicemen.