Baku announces start of “anti-terrorist activities” in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijani forces shell Stepanakert

The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry released a statement in which it indicated the start of “local anti-terrorist activities” within the region. “Only legitimate military installations and infrastructure” are being targeted, as per the press release.

The MoD also urged local residents to avoid supporting the Armenian army:

“Considering the deployment of firepower by Armenia’s armed forces formations near residential areas, we urge the civilian population to stay away from military facilities and not support the formations of Armenia’s armed forces. [...] Women, children, elderly people, as well as people with disabilities and the sick will be rendered necessary medical aid and other assistance. They will be provided with drinking water and food.”

Armenia has denied the presence of its armed forces in Nagorno-Karabakh.

In turn, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry stated that “the only way to peace in the region is the complete withdrawal of the Armenian Armed Forces from Karabakh and the dissolution of the regime in Stepanakert.”

Armenia’s Foreign Ministry responded with the following statement:

“As previously, now again the Azerbaijani official reports and mass media continue to disseminate false statements as if there are Armed Forces units of the Republic of Armenia, military equipment, and personnel in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Armenia has repeatedly stated that the Republic of Armenia does not have an army in Nagorno-Karabakh.”