Armenian soldier left base physically unharmed, authorities suspect AWOL

15:39,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 14, ARMENPRESS. Private Arayik Ghazaryan did not have any bodily injuries at the moment of leaving his military position, the Investigative Committee said.

Ghazaryan is currently held captive by Azerbaijan after leaving his base and crossing into the country in unknown circumstances. Authorities earlier said they believe Ghazaryan got lost.

Regarding the visible trauma on his finger, authorities said on July 24 Ghazaryan was taken to a military hospital where a callus was removed by a surgeon from his finger under local anesthesia. The Investigative Committee said the medical records are included in Ghazaryan’s personal file and in the Martuni hospital’s registry. Moreover, Ghazaryan has informed his brother about the treatment.

The Investigative Committee said they are investigating a potential AWOL and violation of statutory rules between servicemen.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan