Relatives of Returned Captive Harut Have Not Yet Met Their Son, He Is a Father of Many

Ten Armenian captives returned to Armenia on December 4th through the mediation of the Russian side. They had been captured by Azerbaijan on November 16 from the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia. Five of the returning soldiers are from Vanadzor, two from Gyumri, one from Byureghavan, and two are compulsory servicemen from Abovyan.

Among the returnees is 32-year-old Harut Aramayis Sargsyan, originally from Debet. The mayor of the Debet community had earlier reported on his captivity. Community leader Ashot Ghazaryan informed “Factinfo” that Harut lived in Vanadzor and is a father of many children. “He is originally from Debet and resides in Vanadzor. His return has been officially confirmed. Harut Aramayis Sargsyan received his education at the Debet secondary school. He completed his compulsory military service, got married, and has young children—he is a father of many,” he stated.

According to the mayor, Harut's relatives have not yet met with their son. It is noted that the ten returning soldiers were taken from the airport to medical institutions for health examinations. “A few of us from the village went to their home, reached Vanadzor, and called. The father said they were urgently heading to Yerevan to meet their son. They returned, but for understandable reasons, they have not yet seen him. As of yesterday, they have not been able to meet,” he added.

Among those captured on November 16, there is also a civilian living in Debet, but he was not among the returnees. When asked if there might be further returns of captives, the mayor expressed hope that they would read his name as well. “We are also waiting and hoping to read our fellow villager's name on the confirmed captives list; there is no information about his captivity. God willing, may everyone return safe and sound, just like the others, and descend from the plane onto their native land, receiving the attention they deserve,” Ghazaryan concluded.

We tried to understand from Ghazaryan what is known about the aggression that took place on November 16, which resulted in the martyrdom of one of Debet's residents. “I am not familiar with the area and its specifics where the events took place, and I have not spoken to anyone who was there. Therefore, only imagining the terrain on Google Maps, I cannot understand until the boys come and we talk. As much as I have heard the stories, they all seem absurd. When they come, we will talk and will understand how it happened; now it is important that the boys return safe and sound to their families and children and that such incidents do not happen again,” he summarized.

It should be noted that as of now, it is not known how many servicemen were ultimately captured in Baku as a result of the Azerbaijani aggression on November 16. According to the Prime Minister, 32 servicemen were captured, one of whom was injured and returned earlier, while the remaining ten returned on December 4. Essentially, 21 servicemen continue to remain in Baku.