Armenia-Azerbaijan Border Incidents Reported by Defense Ministries
The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense reported that Armenian forces attacked Azerbaijani military positions using unmanned aerial vehicles along the eastern portion of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. The ministry emphasized that the drone strike occurred in the area separating the two states, underscoring the ongoing tension along this border sector.
In an official briefing, the ministry stated that between 17:20 and 18:00 local time, Armenian units opened fire with small arms on the Yukhari Ayrim settlement in the Kalbajar region, targeting Azerbaijani troops in the vicinity of the settlement. The Azizli area lies within Başarkeçar region, and the ministry noted that explosive devices were dropped from a combat helicopter toward Azerbaijani positions in these directions, marking a significant escalation in surface-to-air and ground engagements.
The Azerbaijani side asserted that its troops did not incur any losses and that retaliatory measures were undertaken in response to the Armenian actions. The ministry described these developments as a continuation of hostilities along the frontier and reaffirmed its commitment to securing national borders and safeguarding military personnel.
Earlier, the Armenian Ministry of Defense claimed that Azerbaijani forces targeted convoys transporting food to Armenian troops. Armenia reported casualties on its side resulting from the bombardment, though specifics were not detailed in the briefings available at the time.
In related updates, Nazeli Bagdasaryan, a former press secretary to Armenia’s prime minister, reported on the refugee situation stemming from Nagorno-Karabakh. She noted a dramatic slowdown in the flow of refugees toward Armenia, with the majority of people who remained in the region now consisting mainly of officials and a small number of residents. The implications of these movements are mixed, reflecting ongoing humanitarian and security concerns in the wider area.
With both sides documenting accusations of aggression, observers highlight that the border area continues to experience sporadic clashes and reinforcements. Regional analysts stress the importance of de-escalation channels and adherence to international humanitarian law as the situation remains volatile. Markers of this tension include frequent cross-border exchanges, patrols by the armed forces, and warnings to civilian populations in the affected border districts. Attribution of each incident remains contested between the two ministries, underscoring the need for independent verification and cautious, measured reporting by international media and observers.
Both governments have historically framed these confrontations as protecting national sovereignty while criticizing the other side for provocations. The latest events heighten concerns about civilian displacement, disruption of daily life, and the broader regional stability in the South Caucasus. International partners continue to call for restraint, dialogue, and monitoring mechanisms designed to prevent further hostilities and to restore a climate conducive to negotiated peace.
Note: The above account reflects official statements from the respective defense ministries and subsequent public commentary. Attribution is provided where quoted or paraphrased. Ongoing developments should be followed through official briefings and independent reporting from accredited observers.