Baku, Azerbaijan, March 12
By Ilkin Izzet - Trend:
A diversion attempt of Armenian sabotage and reconnaissance group was prevented on night March 11, Azerbaijani defense ministry said March 12.
Following a fierce shootout, the Armenian side was forced to retreat, suffering losses. Azerbaijani side lost soldier Anar Atayev, who was killed during the battle.
Azerbaijan's defense ministry expressed condolences to the relatives of the deceased soldier.
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 US are currently holding peace negotiations.
Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.