HRD: Azerbaijanis target Armenian village in new provocation

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire on the village of Aravus in Armenia's Syunik province on the night of August 14-15, according to information obtained by Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan. The fire also targeted the Armenian army positions.

The Ombudsman said the shootings from the Azerbaijani side stopped after the arrival of the local community heads, the command of the 1st Army Corps and the Russian Border Guard Service.

"Azerbaijani shootings towards the village of Aravus are criminal acts, disrupting the normal and peaceful life, and the security of the people.

These facts prove that the presence of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces (AAF) in the immediate vicinity of Armenian villages and on the roads between communities violate the right to life. They also violate right to property; right to free movement and other vital rights," the Ombudsman said.

"It is clear that the rights of people can be only be ensured by the creation of conditions of a security zone."

Azerbaijani forces violated Armenia’s border in several sections in the provinces of Syunik and Gegharkunik on May 12 and 13 and are still refusing to withdraw their troops from the area. Five Armenian servicemen have been killed in Azerbaijan’s shooting, a dozen others have been wounded, while six troops were captured on May 27, although four of them have already returned home.