Armenia Reports Ongoing Border Skirmishes with Azerbaijan Near Sotk
Armenia’s defense authorities have released a report detailing continuing hostilities along the Sotk frontier, noting that Azerbaijani troops opened fire on an Armenian position in that sector. The incident is described as one event within a broader pattern of border skirmishes between Armenia and Azerbaijan, where cross-border fire has been reported in the Sotk area. Armenian forces responded in defense, with the ministry underscoring that the exchange is part of a persistent clerical of border tensions that has affected personnel stationed at the border and raised concerns about the safety of nearby communities and service members operating in the region. (Source: Armenian Defense Ministry)
The ministry states that units from the Azerbaijan Armed Forces directed their fire toward Armenian positions in the Sotk corridor at about 16:15 local time. The clash reportedly caused a casualty: a soldier within the Armenian Defense Ministry sustained injuries during the exchange. The report emphasizes the volatile border environment and notes that Armenian forces acted quickly to defend personnel and deter further escalation while continuing to monitor the situation across the relevant border zones. (Source: Armenian Defense Ministry)
In a follow-up note, Armenian authorities claim that Azerbaijani soldiers targeted an ambulance carrying a wounded Armenian serviceman, injuring the medic accompanying the convoy. This allegation highlights the deteriorating ground conditions and the potential impact on medical personnel operating in conflict zones. The ministry characterizes such acts as a serious violation of international humanitarian norms and norms governing wartime medical convoys, urging de-escalation and respect for protected medical personnel in line with applicable laws while maintaining a defensive posture where necessary. (Source: Armenian Defense Ministry)
Earlier in May, a statement attributed to the Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense described mortar fire directed at Armenian border positions, signaling ongoing exchanges involving heavier weaponry. The timing and attribution reflect the larger narrative of reciprocal shelling and counter-fire that has marked the border region of late, with both sides reporting incidents and each arguing the need to safeguard their territory and personnel against perceived threats. (Source: Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense)
Previously, Armenian defense authorities reported incidents connected to border dynamics, noting that Armenian forces took defensive and preventive steps in response to actions involving Azerbaijani troops. The Yerevan perspective emphasizes vigilance and readiness to counter aggression, while stressing that precautions are taken to minimize civilian casualties and protect vital infrastructure along the frontier. These statements contribute to a documented pattern of border incidents and reflect ongoing efforts by Armenian officials to communicate the situation to domestic and international observers as part of a broader strategy to maintain stability and deter further escalation along the shared border with Azerbaijan. (Source: Armenian Defense Ministry)
On a prior date, Armenian defense representatives reported that during the morning hours of May 12, Azerbaijani armed forces conducted a drone operation near the Sotka area along the common border. The resulting damage included injuries to two Armenian soldiers, underscoring the persistent risk posed by unmanned aerial activity in this contested border zone. The reports indicate that Armenian authorities responded with appropriate defensive measures, ensuring immediate protection for personnel on duty and documenting the incident for official records and potential international monitoring. The emphasis remains on safeguarding personnel on duty and closely observing the evolving dynamics of drone and artillery use in this sensitive border region. (Source: Armenian Defense Ministry)”
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