NSS Details Incident at the Armenia-Azerbaijan Border in the 'Nerkhin Khndzoresk' Section

The National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia has released information regarding an incident that occurred on April 10, 2024, in the Nerkhin Khndzoresk section of the Armenia-Azerbaijan state border. Following a service investigation related to the incident, it has been established that a conscript soldier of the NSS military unit, Senior Sergeant Y.K., who was performing border guard duties in that area, became aware that a shepherd and his flock had inadvertently crossed into Azerbaijani territory. The soldier, together with the shepherd and other border guards, attempted to cross the Armenian state border to return the flock, thereby violating the regulations governing border guard service.

This action led to significant harm; inappropriate gunfire began in the border area, posing an evident threat to human life and health. The described actions created a threat to state security, as well as a situation of inadequate oversight in the specified section of the state border.

As a result of the incident, a member of the Azerbaijani state border service sustained injuries. While expressing regret over the incident, measures have been taken to ensure that NSS soldiers strictly adhere to the rules governing border guard service to prevent similar occurrences. Based on the results of the investigation, a proper report has been submitted to the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia concerning apparent criminal actions under the relevant article of the Armenian Criminal Code, where criminal proceedings have been initiated to clarify the circumstances of the case and hold responsible parties to account.