‘The Squad Was Ordered to Retreat, He Did Not Leave His Position’: 19-Year-Old Karen Karapetyan Killed

On the night of September 13, 19-year-old conscript soldier Karen Karapetyan was killed as a result of an attack initiated by the Azerbaijani side. He was from the village of Orgovi in the Aragatsotn province. Karen had been drafted into the army in July 2021, initially serving in Armavir before being transferred to Kapan.

In an interview with News.am, Karen's uncle, Derik Karapetyan, stated that Karen was killed on the night between September 12 and 13, during the first night of the Azerbaijani assault. “He had been at the position for a week, fulfilling his duties. Shortly after midnight, when the enemy had already attacked, Karen sent a message to his parents saying, ‘I’m fine, I can’t call right now, I’ll call later.’ This was his last message, after that our calls went unanswered,” recounted Karen's uncle.

His family, not having information about him, went to Kapan where they were informed that Karen's name was on the missing persons list. Two days later, his body was found in an unrecognizable state. His relatives identified Karen’s remains by a scar near his left eyebrow and through a collar.

According to his uncle, Karen's body was discovered late because the position he was guarding came under enemy control. “Karen did not abandon his position; he ordered his squad to retreat, realizing that the boys were unable to fight against the overwhelming enemy forces. Karen said, ‘Boys, go ahead; I will catch up with you.’ He held the position until he was wounded. According to the doctor, Karen died from loss of blood; another soldier who did not leave him was also killed,” Derik Karapetyan shared.

After finishing school, Karen joined the army and enjoyed cooking. He had three brothers. 19-year-old Karen was laid to rest today, September 19, with military honors in his native village of Orgovi.