An Armenian serviceman was found dead with a gunshot wound at a military unit on October 31, bringing the documented minimum number of military deaths in non-combat circumstances to at least 39 in 2026, based on figures from the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly-Vanadzor (HCAV) and subsequent reported deaths.
According to the Defense Ministry, the soldier, identified by the initials T.S., was found with a gunshot wound. His family has been notified, and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of his death.
The latest incident follows three other reported deaths since September 22. On September 24, a contract serviceman died in an explosion. On October 1, the ministry confirmed the sudden death of another contract serviceman, describing it as unrelated to military service. On October 10, a serviceman identified as A.Gh. was found dead with a gunshot wound.
On September 23, HCAV head Artur Sakunts reported that 34 Armenian servicemen had died in non-combat circumstances between January 1 and September 22. Of those, 14 deaths were classified as related to military service, 19 as unrelated, and one remained undetermined.
Including the four subsequently reported deaths, the documented minimum reaches 39. The actual number may be higher, as the figure has not been reconciled against a complete year-to-date register.
The Defense Ministry has disputed broader military death statistics, arguing that deaths unrelated to military duties should be distinguished from service-related fatalities. In August, ministry spokesperson Aram Torosyan accused critics of distorting the figures, maintaining that deaths caused by illness, accidents, or other circumstances unrelated to military duties should not be grouped with service-related fatalities.
HCAV, however, includes deaths of active servicemen regardless of whether they occurred while performing military duties, distinguishing between combat and non-combat deaths.
The documented minimum of 39 deaths in 2026 has already surpassed the 35 deaths recorded throughout 2025 and the 36 non-combat deaths reported in 2024.
