YEREVAN: Two Armenian soldiers were killed as a result of firing by the Azerbaijani army near the breakaway territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, further escalating tensions in the already volatile region. The incident occurred near the border town of Sotk, northwest of Nagorno-Karabakh, as reported by Armenia’s Ministry of Defence.
The long-standing conflict between Baku and Yerevan has witnessed a sharp escalation in recent months, marked by mutual accusations of violating agreements and cross-border exchanges of gunfire.
The Armenian Ministry of Defence confirmed the casualties, stating, “As a result of firing by the Azerbaijani army in the direction of Armenian positions located in the Sotk area, there are two dead and one wounded on the Armenian side.” This incident further underscores the precarious security situation in the region.
Azerbaijan Accuses Armenia of Drone Strike
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan has asserted that Armenia launched a drone strike on positions in the Kalbajar region, resulting in two Azerbaijani servicemen sustaining injuries. In response, Azerbaijan declared it was taking “retaliatory measures.”
The territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, has been a longstanding source of conflict between the neighboring nations, dating back to the period leading up to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Despite mediation efforts by the European Union, United States, and Russia, a lasting peace settlement has proven elusive. Both sides have accused each other of provocative actions, further fueling tensions. In August, Azerbaijan alleged that Armenia was amassing troops along the volatile border, while Armenia accused Azerbaijan’s military of opening fire on European Union observers.
