Tensions have flared once again between Armenia and Azerbaijan as two Armenian soldiers lost their lives due to Azerbaijani shelling near the border town of Sotk, situated northwest of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Both sides have accused each other of violating agreements and engaging in cross-border gunfire, leading to escalating tensions.
The Armenian Ministry of Defence reported, “As a result of firing by the Azerbaijani army in the direction of Armenian positions located in the Sotk area, there are two dead and one wounded on the Armenian side.”
In response, Azerbaijan claimed that Armenia had used drones to strike positions in the Kalbajar region, resulting in injuries to two Azerbaijani servicemen. Azerbaijan stated that it was taking “retaliatory measures.”
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but primarily inhabited by ethnic Armenians, has been a longstanding source of contention between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Despite mediation attempts by the European Union, United States, and Russia, both nations have fought two wars for control of the region.
Recent incidents, including troop build-ups along the volatile borders and allegations of gunfire on European Union observers, have further strained the already fragile situation. In June, separatist authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh reported that four Armenian soldiers were killed by Azerbaijani fire in the region.
