No Russian Military Base Being Constructed in Tavush Region, Ministry Clarifies

The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures has clarified that no Russian military base is being constructed in the Tavush region, and no land has been allocated for such a base. This statement came in response to inquiries from CivilNet.

In July, rumors circulated regarding the construction of a Russian military base in the Tavush region, particularly mentioning the area near the former airport in Aygepaar, where active construction was taking place.

On July 12, CivilNet submitted a request to the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures (MTAI) to clarify whether a Russian military base was planned in Tavush and if any lands had been allocated for it. The news outlet also sought to specify what types of construction activities were ongoing in the vicinity of the former airport and the purposes behind them.

The ministry requested additional time to provide a response. More than a month later, on August 16, the agency responded to CivilNet's inquiry, stating that no Russian military base was being constructed in Tavush, and no land allocations for a Russian military base had taken place.

“We inform you that construction works are being carried out on communal property lands in the border community of Aygepaar in Tavush Province, which are intended to be allocated to the RA NSS border troops for their future service. The possibility of conducting joint service with the Russian border troops in the mentioned area is being discussed,” the ministry noted in its response letter.

Interestingly, in July, the Berd municipality responded verbally to a request from “Azatutyun,” stating that the airport area is not community-owned, which contradicts the answer provided by the MTAI.