Azerbaijani armed forces try to advance; situation is tense - Armenian Defense Ministry

YEREVAN, September 13. /ARKA/. As of 6:00 p.m today, the situation at certain sections of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border was tense, spokesman for Armenia's defense ministry Aram Torosyan said.

"Although it is too early to talk about stabilization of the situation, the intensity of artillery fire recorded since midnight has significantly weakened. The enemy, using special purpose forces, has been trying to secure advances throughout the day, particularly in the direction of Nerqin Hand, Verin Shorzha, Artanish and Sotq villages in Gegharkunik province," Torosyan said.

According to him, Armenian Armed Forces continue to fulfill their military tasks in full. Casualty figures are being clarified.

"Starting from midnight the Azerbaijani Armed Forces continue targeting borderline settlements and civilian infrastructure. Azerbaijani claims that they are not targeting civilians are more than ridiculous," Torosyan said.

He said that there is sufficient evidence that confirms the criminal actions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces against the civilian population.

"We urge everyone to follow only official information, refrain from travelling to the combat zone, and even more so from publishing video footage from it," Torosyan urged.

On September 13 at midnight, Azerbaijani armed forces began intensive shelling of Armenian positions using artillery and large-caliber guns and drones targeting Armenian Sotk, Vardenis, Goris, Kapan, Artanish and Ishkhanasar.

In some directions of the border, Azerbaijani troops attempted to advance into Armenian territory, but retreated after Armenian troops’ proportional response.

According to the Armenian Defense Ministry as of 2 p.m., the situation in some parts of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border remained extremely tense.

According to preliminary data, 49 Armenian servicemen were killed on the Armenian side and three civilians were wounded. -0-