Armenia and Azerbaijan Exchange Reports Over Teh Incident in Syunik
The Armenian Ministry of Defense has released information about an armed clash in the residential area of Teh, a community in the Syunik region. In the account provided by Yerevan, the confrontation began with Azerbaijani forces firing on Armenian personnel who were conducting engineering work in the area, reportedly followed by the use of mortar weapons. This sequence of events is described as a direct escalation in a long-running border tension between the two states.
In response, the Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense asserted that Armenian forces were responsible for provocations and reported casualties on the Armenian side. The Azerbaijani statement emphasizes that the confrontation was sparked by Armenian actions and stresses the need to take measures to counter what Baku characterizes as ongoing Armenian provocations.
Officials in Azerbaijan described the tension as an outcome of provocations attributed to the Armenian Armed Forces along the Lachin corridor on April 11. They claimed that, following the operations deployed by Azerbaijani troops in the specified direction, the Armenian side sustained significant losses. The Azerbaijani defense ministry framed the incident as a consequence of Armenian actions that required a firm response to protect national security and territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, former President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan reiterated a stance toward regional relations, stating that Azerbaijan remains committed to normalizing ties with Armenia. He emphasized a determination to seek dialogue despite enduring historical grievances and the hardships faced by the Azerbaijani people during a prolonged period of conflict. The remarks reflect an official emphasis on pursuing diplomatic avenues while continuing to safeguard national interests.