Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire and crossed the line of contact in Karabakh’s Askeran region. The incident, which occurred on March 24 at around 4pm, was reported by the Nagorno-Karabakh Information Center.
The movement of the Azerbaijani armed forces is currently suspended in the territory of Artsakh, but the adversary has not yet returned to its initial positions. Artsakh Information Headquarters informs that the situation in the direction of Parukh-Khramort settlements of Askeran region is under the control of the Russian peacekeeping troops stationed in the Artsakh Republic.
“As a result of the talks and additional security measures, the movement of the Azerbaijani armed forces is currently suspended in our territory, but the adversary has not yet returned to its initial position,” the statement said.
According to the statement, Russian peacekeepers stationed in Nagorno-Karabakh are in negotiations to stop Azerbaijani forces from advancing any further, and to return them to their initial positions.
Previously it was reported that the protection of the line of contact in the direction of Parukh, Khramort settlements of Askeran region, ensuring the security of the civilian population living in those communities is within the mission of the Russian peacekeeping troops stationed in the Artsakh Republic.
It is noted that at the moment the peacekeepers are at their bases, the negotiations are continuing.
The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova touched upon the issue of the recent provocation of the Azerbaijani armed forces in the direction of the village of Parukh in the Askeran region of Artakh. Zakharova first mentioned that it should be assessed by the peacekeeping forces there.
“I repeat what has been said today: the already tense situation should not be aggravated by any action,” she said.
In recent weeks, Azerbaijani forces have also been firing with mortars and grenade launchers on the nearby Khramort village, from which children and women have been evacuated for a second time.