Urgent: Azerbaijanis Assault Armenian Youth in Artsakh

Azerbaijanis have resorted to provocation in the area of the Getavan community along the Mataghis-Karabakh route. This was reported by the police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Artsakh.

On December 4, this year, a convoy of Azerbaijani trucks was organized once again along the Mataghis-Karabakh route, accompanied by Russian peacekeepers. In addition to the trucks, there was one passenger car with four Azerbaijanis in civilian clothes.

Due to technical reasons, the convoy stopped in the Getavan community of the Martakert region, after which the Azerbaijanis exited their vehicle and began to exhibit aggressive and provocative behavior towards the Armenian youth present at the site. A confrontation ensued, during which the Azerbaijani individuals were joined by the drivers of the trucks, and they resorted to violence against the Armenian youths.

In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, the relatives of the youth also arrived at the scene, leading to mutual scuffles between the parties involved. Those involved in the incident sustained minor injuries. The Azerbaijani passenger car also sustained damage.

According to preliminary information, the individuals in civilian clothes are servicemen of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and military police; however, under the mediation and escort of Russian peacekeepers, the use of this route should have been solely for humanitarian purposes.

The Police of the Republic of Artsakh is currently taking measures to clarify and document the circumstances of the incident. The command of the Russian peacekeeping forces has also been informed about the incident.