Tensions flare between Armenia, Azerbaijan again
- 8 April, 15:19
Tension flared in the South Caucasus again as Armenia and Azerbaijan traded accusations over the cross-border violence. Azerbaijan on Sunday accused Armenia of firing at its positions 16 times over the course of about four hours a day earlier from 18:30 to 22:05.
“Armenian armed forces units from the positions located in the directions of Jil, Gunashli, and Khoznavar settlements of Chambarak, Basarkechar and Gorus regions using small arms of various calibers a total of 16 times periodically subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Army positions stationed in the directions of Ayrivang, Jamilli, and Hajilar settlements of Gadabay, Kalbajar, and Lachin regions,” the Defence Ministry reported in a statement.
A day earlier, Azerbaijani Defence Ministry said Armenia on Friday fired on its military positions in the Dashkasan, Kalbajar, Lachin and Tovuz districts 30 times.
Armenia also reported on Friday that clashes occurred on the border, alleging Azerbaijani gunfire caused harm to civilian structures in the northern Tavush Province on Friday and the southern Syunik Province on Saturday night. Armenia accused Azerbaijan of targeting military positions in these regions as well as in Gegharkunik.
The border clashes followed the meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU High Representative Josep Borrell, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday in Brussels. Azerbaijan criticized the meeting, viewing it as a display of Western bias toward Armenia.
