Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug, 4
By Ilkin Izzet - Trend:
Azerbaijani Defense Minister Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov has visited the frontline to assess the situation on the spot in connection with the recent events, the ministry told Trend on Aug. 4.
After visiting the military units on the frontline, the minister observed the current situation and met with staff.
The minister delivered medals and prizes to the servicemen, who prevented the subversive-reconnaissance groups from entering the positions and demonstrated courage and bravery.
Hasanov gave instructions to personnel to increase their vigilance to prevent provocation of the enemy and constantly be ready for an appropriate response if necessary.
Armenian armed forces launched a diversion on the night of July 31-August 1, when reconnaissance and sabotage groups tried to cross the contact line of the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops through the territories of Aghdam and Terter regions.
Armenia's reconnaissance and sabotage group attacked the positions of Azerbaijani armed forces in the direction of Azerbaijan's Aghdam and Agdere regions on the night of August 1-2. Azerbaijan managed to locate the group and the sabotage attempt was prevented.
During the last four days, Azerbaijani positions have been constantly under attack, and 13 servicemen have been killed, several more were wounded. Armenian side suffered more losses while trying to hide this fact from the public.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.
The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the U.S. are currently holding peace negotiations.
Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council's four resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.
