After a series of clashes and shelling in Karabakh, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan announced the start of an anti-terrorist operation. The announcement was made by the press service of the ministry.
The official statement says that the increasing frequency of Armenian attacks on Azerbaijani army positions using various weapons and the strengthening of defensive borders in Karabakh have increased tensions. It is alleged that Armenia has strengthened its positions, increased the combat readiness of its units and created additional mobilization groups. In addition, Azerbaijan notes an increase in sabotage and intelligence groups.
It is reported that on the morning of September 19, two explosions occurred in Karabakh, killing four Interior Ministry employees and two Azerbaijani civilians. This was the official start of the anti-terrorist operation.
Russia and the leadership of the Turkish-Russian monitoring center were informed of Azerbaijan's actions. Strikes are being carried out on Armenian positions, military facilities and military equipment.
The Armenian Ministry of Defense, for its part, reported that the situation on the country's borders is "relatively stable" at this time (14:00 local time), which corresponds to 13:00 in Kyiv.
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The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry commented on the situation and stated that "the only way to peace in the region" is the complete withdrawal of Armenian troops from Karabakh, including Stepanakert. In other words, Baku intends to fully control Nagorno-Karabakh.
The authorities of unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh stated that fighting and shelling had begun along the entire contact line.
"On September 19, at 13:00, the armed forces of Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire along the entire length of the contact line, launching rocket and artillery strikes," the Defense Ministry said.
Russia also made a statement.
"Russia calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to cease hostilities and return to a diplomatic settlement," Zakharova said, adding that Moscow is alarmed by the sharp escalation of the situation.
