  Azerbaijan uses Smerch multiple rocket launchers in Karabakh violence April 5, 2016 - 10:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - On the night of April 4-5, Azerbaijan used Smerch multiple rocket launchers in the Karabakh conflict zone. According to the Karabakh Defense Army, Azeris also continued shelling civilian settlements while actively using unmanned aerial drones. One of them was shot down by the Armenian side. On the night of April 1-2, Azerbaijani armed forces initiated overt offensive operations in the southern, southeastern and northeastern directions of the line of contact with Nagorno Karabakh. As many as 20 Karabakh servicemen were killed and 70 were wounded in the course of military operations. In addition, 10 civilians have been killed. 26 Karabakh soldiers have gone missing so far. As of 10:00 p.m., April 5, the Azerbaijani side has lost 29 tanks and over 5 armored vehicles, including an IFV, as well as 1 TOS-1A Solntsepyok multiple rocket launcher, 1 BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher, 2 military helicopters and 7 unmanned aerial vehicles. Seven Karabakh tanks have been neutralized since April 2. The Armenian side has lost eight positions (300 meters overall).    The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.  Top stories The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. London’s Armenian community has been left feeling “under attack” after the city’s Genocide monument was vandalised. The United States believes there should be an international mission to provide transparency.   Partner news |  Topic Latest news Protesters rally as Georgia debates 'foreign agent' bill  Georgian critics label the bill "the Russian law", comparing it to legislation used by the Kremlin to crack down on dissent.Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims.Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement.First Canadian expert join EU mission in Armenia The first Canadian expert to join the European Union’s civilian mission in Armenia has arrived in Armenia. |
