Armenia’s Defense Ministry Acknowledges Azerbaijani Attack on Khnatsakh Village After Series of Recent Border Incidents

In the latest border incident in Armenia, the Defense Ministry of Armenia (MoD) has accused Azerbaijani forces of opening fire on the village of Khnatsakh in Armenia’s Syunik Province. According to the statement, the attack occurred on March 31 at approximately 12:50 a.m. and resulted in damage to a residential house. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

The Armenian MoD has firmly rejected Azerbaijan’s counterclaims, which allege that Armenian forces had previously fired on Azerbaijani positions along the eastern and southeastern borders between March 30 and 31. According to the Armenian side, these allegations do not reflect reality.

In response to ongoing border tensions, the Armenian government has proposed the establishment of a joint Armenia-Azerbaijan mechanism to investigate ceasefire violations. However, Azerbaijan has not yet responded to this initiative. The Armenian MoD reiterated its readiness to examine Azerbaijan’s allegations if evidence is provided but also urged Baku to investigate and publicly explain the attack on Khnatsakh.

While in Brazil for an official visit, Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan addressed Azerbaijan’s accusations, stating that Armenia has no interest in violating the ceasefire. She emphasized that Armenia has actively sought mechanisms to ensure border stability, including proposals for ceasefire monitoring and arms control agreements with Azerbaijan.

“The first priority is the peace treaty,” Badalyan said in an interview with Brazil’s Radio Senado. She discussed Armenia’s efforts over the past three years to negotiate a peace agreement and reaffirmed that the text of the treaty has been finalized. However, despite Armenia’s willingness to sign, Azerbaijan has yet to agree on the timing and venue for the formal signing ceremony.

In his turn, Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Defense, Arman Sargsyan, responded to the recent escalation by assuring the public that Armenia has nothing to hide. 

Last week, The Armenian Report traveled to Syunik Province and spoke with the residents of Khnatsakh. They described in great detail the relentless gunfire they hear every night from Azerbaijani military bases.

Tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan remain high, with Azerbaijan continuing to increase military pressure along the border. The failure to finalize a peace agreement has only added to the uncertainty, raising concerns about further incidents in the region.

As the situation develops, Armenia remains committed to diplomatic solutions while urging Azerbaijan to engage in transparent investigations and peace negotiations.