Squad Commander Interviewed After Military Barracks Fire Dismissed from Position

The squad commander of the engineering and assault battalion stationed in the village of Azat, Gegharkunik region, was dismissed shortly after giving an interview regarding the fire that broke out in the barracks on January 19, as reported in an interview with lawyer Arsen Babayan.

Babayan stated that the squad commander was interrogated as a witness within the framework of the criminal case opened due to the fire.

It is recalled that on January 19, around 01:30, a fire broke out in the barracks of the engineering and assault battalion of the RA Ministry of Defense N military unit located in Azat village, resulting in the death of 15 contract soldiers, while 7 other soldiers were transferred to medical centers.

Immediately after the incident, the commander of the 2nd Army Corps and 7 other senior military officials were dismissed from their posts.

Later, the squad commander informed reporters that there was no gasoline in the barracks, effectively contradicting the Prime Minister. The military prosecutor also stated that it is still unclear whether gasoline or diesel fuel was involved.