Azerbaijan launched a major offensive against Armenia on September 13, 2022. Here’s a briefing of the past 24 hours.
In the early hours of September 13th, approximately at 12:05 am, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale incursion into Armenia’s sovereign territory taking aim at both military and civilian infrastructure. Azerbaijan forces attacked a number of settlements in Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor, and Syunik, particularly in the direction of Artanish, Vardenis, Sotk, Jermuk, Ishkhanasar, Goris, and Kapan. Azerbaijan has been using artillery, large-caliber mortars, UAVs, and ground troops.
By 11:30 am, the Armenian authorities confirmed that 49 Armenian soldiers had been killed in action and 3 civilians had been injured, with one being in severe condition. In addition 80 Armenians including civilians were wounded in Armenia’s eastern province of Gegharkunik, according to local authorities.
Armenia appealed to the CSTO and the United Nations Security Council demanding immediate action and calling for an emergency meeting of the OSCE. In response, the CSTO stated that it will not provide military assistance to Armenia.
Throughout the day, the Armenian MoD published a video confirming that Azerbaijan’s ground troops have been attempting to advance into the sovereign territory of Armenia.
Following its regular sitting, the National Assembly of Armenia released a statement calling for immediate action from the International community. The statement by the Parliament calls on the UN Security Council, CSTO, and the Russian Federation to condemn the gross violations by Azerbaijan against Armenia and the implementation of concrete actions. The UN Security Council stated that it would be hosting a meeting about the Armenia-Azerbaijan issue on September 14.
Meanwhile, the Azerbaijani troops had been targeting the Kapan-Chakaten alternative road, not even allowing emergency services to pass. As a result, Artsakh residents were left isolated as the Stepanakert-Yerevan road was too dangerous to use.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran released a statement stating that “any change to the borders of Armenia and Azerbaijan is unacceptable to Iran.”
During the day, a video circulated showing an Armenian civilian’s home in Verishen, Syunik, destroyed by Azerbaijani attacks. Following the escalations, the European Union has decided to send a delegation to Armenia and Azerbaijan in an effort to settle the situation.
The 301 team is closely monitoring the developments in Armenia on the ground and will provide updates accordingly.
