Baku, Azerbaijan, July 18
Trend:
The gunmen, who have seized a police station in Yerevan, released two of the six hostages, but refuse to lay down arms and surrender, RIA Novosti reported July 18 citing the Armenian National Security Service.
A group of gunmen entered a police station in Yerevan and took hostages July 17.
One police officer was killed and four were wounded in the incident. Currently, the gunmen are holding four police officers as hostages.
“One police officer and an ambulance driver were released following the long negotiations on July 17 night,” the message said. “The gunmen refuse to release the rest of the hostages, including senior police officers, lay down their arms and surrender.”
It was reported that one of the hostages was released July 17 night.
According to the message, the Armenian law-enforcement is using all available and possible means to resolve the problem peacefully, but it may be insufficient in this situation.
"We urge the members of the armed gang to refrain from the actions that could lead to new casualties and grave consequences, and stop armed resistance,” the message said. “There is still time and opportunity to do this."