Armenia reports deaths of three soldiers in border hostilities

Three Armenian soldiers perished and three more were wounded in battles on the border of the Gegarkunik Region, the Armenian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has informed. Azerbaijani militaries have shelled two villages, Arman Tatoyan, the Ombudsperson has stated.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that tonight, according to the Armenian MoD, Azerbaijani militaries launched an offensive on the border section from Sotk to the village of Verin Shorzha; local battles began there. The losses were reported by both sides. The Azerbaijani MoD announced two wounded soldiers. In the opinion of the Armenian MoD, the offensive has to do with Azerbaijan's desire to strengthen its position before the conflict parties' negotiations in Moscow.

The Armenian MoD claims that Azerbaijani militaries were thrown back to their initial positions.

In his turn, Arman Tatoyan, the Armenian Ombudsperson, has stated that at night fire was opened on the villages of Verin Shorzha and Saratekhi of the Gegarkunik Region. "Azerbaijani militaries are shelling the villages directly ... Azerbaijan's actions are disrupting the villagers' peaceful life and hinder the rural works," Mr Tatoyan wrote on the Facebook.

Armed incidents regularly occur on this section of the border. Thus, on July 26, because of the shooting, workers of the Sotk mine were evacuated.