Armenia has been rapidly increasing its military footprint along the border with Azerbaijan, including a rise in personnel, armored vehicles, and artillery systems. This development comes in a formal statement from Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense, which highlighted the growing readiness on the Armenian side and the potential for escalation if tensions continue unchecked. The ministry stressed that this mobilization signals a shift in posture that could complicate any effort toward de‑escalation and stability in the region.
According to the Azerbaijani defence ministry, Armenian authorities have recently intensified what it described as a vengeful and hostile posture. The statement accused Yerevan of cultivating an atmosphere of threat and use of aggressive rhetoric aimed at Baku, arguing that such rhetoric raises the risk of miscalculation and a broader confrontation. The message underscored that the persistence of such language and actions could provoke a swift and resolute response from Azerbaijan, including against any direct military provocations linked to Armenian forces or allied groups.
The ministry further warned that Armenia would bear full responsibility for any new escalation. It asserted that Baku would not tolerate attempts to alter the status quo through force or intimidation and would take necessary measures to defend its sovereign borders and civilian populations. This stance reflects a wider concern in Azerbaijan about the potential for provocation to trigger a cycle of retaliatory violence that could spill beyond the immediate border area and affect regional security dynamics.
In parallel, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan conveyed remarks regarding Azerbaijan’s perceived behavior, suggesting that Baku might be seeking a pretext for a broader, large‑scale confrontation. He referred to the possibility of exploiting the four villages regained by Armenian forces during the 1990s as a potential flashpoint that could be used to justify renewed hostilities. The articulation of these concerns from Yerevan adds another layer of complexity to the already tense exchange of statements and accusations between the two sides.
Earlier reports indicated that Azerbaijan had signaled an uptick in military exercises and readiness activities. Analysts note that this pattern of increased drills may be part of a broader strategy to deter provocations, reinforce command and control capabilities, and reassure domestic and regional audiences of the country’s preparedness. Observers emphasize the importance of transparent communication between the two governments to reduce misinterpretation of military movements and to prevent accidental engagements along the border. The current sequence of statements and troop movements is being watched closely by regional partners and international mediators as they assess potential avenues for dialogue, de‑escalation, and confidence‑building steps that could avert a destabilizing crisis.