On the morning of December 29th, 2016, Azerbaijani troops carried out a sabotage infiltration attempt from the Chinari village of the Tavush region of the Republic of Armenia, towards the south-eastern portion of the state border.

The Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia have neutralized the activities of the Azerbaijani troops and repelled the opponent, causing fatal casualties and injuries, some of which were in our combat positions.

Unfortunately, the Armenian side also suffered losses during the combat operations. During the battle for the defense of the state border of the Republic of Armenia, senior Lieutenant Shavarsh Meliqseti Meliqyan, private Edgar Grigori Narayan, and private Erik Gariki Abovyan passed away.

The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia shares the heavy burden of the loss, and expresses its condolences to family members of the departed.

The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia is in possession of proof of illegal violation of the state border of the Republic of Armenia by the Azerbaijani side. The military and political leadership of Azerbaijan hold full responsibility for these provocations.