Intense battles in Karabakh's Askeran; Another Bayraktar downedOctober 29, 2020 - 10:31 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - As of Thursday, October 29 morning, hostilities continue intensively in different directions of the frontline, Nagorno-Karabakh presidential spokesman Vahram Poghosyan revealed. "The Defense Army is fighting especially intense battles near the settlements of Avetaranots, Sghnakh and Aknaghbyur in Askeran region. The enemy has sustained major manpower losses," Poghosyan said on Favebook. Just after midnight, the Azerbaijanis resumed targeting peaceful settlements across Artsakh. Specifically, the Azeri forces shelled Stepanakert, Shushi and the surrounding villages with Smerch multiple rocket launchers. Artsakh’s air defence units, meanwhile, downed another Bayraktar strike drone overnight. The Defence Army said Karabakh troops continue to confidently carry out their military objectives, keeping the tactical situation under control. Azerbaijan, with help from Turkey and Syrian and Libyan mercenaries deployed by Ankara, started a war against Karabakh (Artsakh) in the morning of September 27. The Armenian side has reported deaths and injuries both among the civilian population and the military. Foreign and local journalists too have been injured in Azeri shelling of towns and villages. Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. CSTO recognizes Armenia’s sovereign right to withdraw Tasmagambetov has said that if Armenia decides to leave the organization, “it will be the sovereign right of Armenia.” |