Azerbaijani Provocations Reported by Artsakh's Ministry of Internal Affairs Over the Week

Between November 28 and December 5, 2022, the central and regional divisions of the police received 47 reports concerning crimes, violations, and incidents, a decrease from 73 the previous week. There has been a reduction in both the number of reports and the nature of violations. Among the reports received, 30 pertain to crimes, all of which have been solved and are under investigation. This was reported by the Artsakh Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Three cases of intentional harm to health have been registered. As a result of the law enforcement efforts against environmental violations and illegal logging, one case of illegal tree felling has been identified by police officers. During the week, one previously committed crime was also solved. As a result of joint operational and investigative measures conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department and regional units, two cases involving the circulation of prohibited drugs were uncovered.

During the week, two incidents of provocation against the civilian population of Artsakh by Azerbaijan were recorded in the Shushi and Martakert regions. On December 3, in the area of the Shushi-Karin Tak intersection, a group of Azerbaijanis in civilian clothing blocked the Stepanakert-Goris highway under the pretext of environmental concerns. This interrupted the land connection between Armenia and Artsakh. The command of the Russian peacekeeping forces and the authorized state bodies of Artsakh took all possible measures to resolve the situation; after negotiations lasting more than three hours, the road was reopened.

On December 4, Azerbaijanis staged a provocation in the area of the Getavan community along the Mataghis-Karvachar route, leading to a scuffle. A column had stopped in the Getavan area for technical purposes, where four Azerbaijanis in civilian clothes exited a passenger vehicle and behaved provocatively towards local youth, resulting in a physical altercation between the parties. Participants in the incident sustained minor injuries. The Artsakh Republic Police have clarified the circumstances and presented the facts to the command of the Russian peacekeeping forces.

According to reports registered at the operational control center of the road police, 30 traffic accidents were recorded over the week, including three resulting in pedestrian injuries. Of these accidents, 24 involved material damage and 6 involved bodily harm. Six citizens sought medical attention following traffic incidents. The traffic police uncovered 13 cases of operating a vehicle without a driving license, 17 drivers were found to be in an intoxicated state, and 195 exceeded the speed limit.

To ensure the detection and prevention of crimes, the police are on duty across Artsakh 24/7, continually cooperating with law enforcement bodies both in Artsakh and Armenia.