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    Categories: 2023

Azerbaijan says Armenian detained in failed border incursion

Al-Arabiya, UAE
Aug 16 2023
AFP: Azerbaijan said Wednesday that it detained a member of an Armenian sabotage group trying to infiltrate its border, an allegation denied by Yerevan as tensions between the neighboring countries grow.

The incident comes one day after an EU border patrol unit in the region said it came under gunfire, which Armenia blamed on Azerbaijan.

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“On August 16 at about 11:15 am, (0715 GMT) a reconnaissance and sabotage group of the Armenian army tried to infiltrate the territory of Azerbaijan,” Baku’s defense ministry said.

“Thanks to the vigilance of our units, supported by firepower, the Armenian soldiers’ provocation was foiled,” it said, adding that a wounded member of the Armenian group was captured.

The incident took place around the Istisu settlement in the Kyalbajar area, near the Armenian border, the ministry said.

“The other members of the reconnaissance and sabotage group were forced to retreat,” it added.

Armenia’s defense ministry said Baku’s version of events was “an absolute lie,” and that an Armenian reservist had strayed from a combat position on their own accord.

“A possible scenario and the circumstances of how a reservist could end up on the Azerbaijani side is being studied,” it said.

Tensions between Baku and Yerevan have escalated sharply in recent days, as both sides accuse the other of cross-border gunfire and violating agreements.

Most disagreement between the two centers around Nagorno-Karabakh — a small mountainous region recognized internationally as part of Azerbaijan but populated primarily by Armenians.

Baku and Yerevan have fought two wars over the region and have been unable to reach a lasting peace settlement, despite mediation efforts by the European Union, United States and Russia.

Emil Lazarian: “I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS