YEREVAN, APRIL 2, ARMENPRESS. On April 1 and in the night of April 2, along the entire line of contact between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh, the enemy made openly attacking actions, using artillery, armor and air forces among other types of weapons. Both sides have casualties and wounded. 'Armenpress' presents chronicle of events:

18:53 200 Azerbaijani soldiers eliminated: NKR Defense Army

The situation along the entire contact line of the Karabakh-Azerbaijani frontier troops remains extremely tense. Defense Army frontier troops continue to successfully lead protective fights and cause the rival heavy damages. Overall, 200 Azerbaijani soldiers have been eliminated during the military actions of April 1, the night of April 2 and today. 

16:42 4 more civilians hospitalized in Artsakh with gunshot wounds

As a result of Azerbaijan’s military offensive attacks, 4 civilians were wounded and hospitalized. Tsovinar Aghajanyan (b.1961), Garegin Aghajanyan (b.1973), Zaven Avanesyan (b.1985) and Hayk Torosyan (b.1997) were hospitalized in the Republican Medical Center of Stepanakert.

They have been placed under intensive care.

Earlier, Vardan Andreasyan (b.2004) and Gevorg Grigoryan (b.2005) were hospitalized in the “Arevik” children’s hospital. They have been placed under intensive care.

16:06 Rumors of large causalities among Armenians, evacuation and mobilization is disinformation

15:52 CSTO: Azerbaijan’s actions escalate the tension

CSTO Secretary General Nikolai Bordyuzha held talks with the military and political leadership of Armenia. "In particular, he had a phone conversation with Armenia's Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan”, CSTO press secretary Vladimir Zaynetdinov informing “Interfax AVN”, without giving details.

At the same time, the CSTO press secretary stressed that Azerbaijan's actions only escalate the tensions in Nagorno Karabakh. "Everything should be determined through negotiations. The current Azerbaijani actions lead to the escalation of the situation and the conflict, “Zaynetdinov said. He stressed that Bordyuzha and CSTO leadership are in constant contact with the leadership of Armenia.

“We received the whole information from the Armenian Defense Ministry on the military clashes. We think that there is no military solution to the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijani conflict”, the CSTO Press Secretary stressed.

CSTO member states are Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. According to the agreement, the CSTO potential can be applied for the security of any of the member countries, by a respective application.   

15:17 Nalbandian has phone conversations with Minsk Group Co-Chairs and Ambassador Kasprzyk

 Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian had phone conversations with Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, EU Special Representative, OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, OSCE Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk , regarding the escalation of tension on the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan contact line.

As “Armenpress” reports, this was stated by the Press Secretary of the MFA of Armenia Tigran Balayan.

14:50 Sergey Lavrov discusses escalation of Nagorno Karabakh tension with Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the escalation of tension in Nagorno Karabakh with Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers, “Armenpress” reports, citing Ria Novosti. Urges were made to stop the use of force in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone.

14:26 Sergey Shoygu discusses Karabakh conflict zone situation with Defense Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu had a telephone conversation with his Armenian counterpart Seyran Ohanyan, Spokesperson for the Defense Ministry of Armenia Artsrun Hovhannisyan informed “Armenpress”.

The Press service of the Russian Defense Ministry has also issued a statement that Sergey Shoygu had a telephone conversation with the Defense Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan.  It is mentioned that according to the information coming to the Russian Defense Ministry, tension has been recorded in the conflict zone of Nagorno Karabakh overnight April 2. It is also mentioned that the given region is under the constant focus of the MoD of the Russian Federation. “In relation to that the Defense Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Shoygu, held an urgent phone conversation with the Defense Minister of Armenia Seyran Ohanyan and Defense Minister of Azerbaijan Zakir Hasanov on April 2 about immediate steps to stabilize the situation in the conflict zone”, reads the statement issues by the Defense Ministry of the Russian Federation.

13:51 Children wounded by Azerbaijani shelling are in critical but stable condition

The two children wounded as a result of Azerbaijan shelling civilian settlements are in a critical but stable condition, Chief physician at “Arevik” Children's Hospital in Stepanakert Hovsep Margaryan told “Armenpress.

“The children are in a critical but stable condition, we control the situation. Everything has been done, they have both been operated. Now they are in intensive care unit, under supervision of doctors”, the chief physician said.

He informed that the children are aged 12 and 13; one of them sustained comminuted fracture of the hip and traumatic shock the other sustained soft tissue injury and is in a shock.

13:48 OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to discuss in Vienna escalation of tension on Nagorno Karabakh- Azerbaijan contact line

The OSCE Minsk Group will hold a meeting next week in Vienna and will discuss the sharp aggravation of the situation of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone. As "Armenpress" reports, “RIA Novosti" informed citing its source within the organization.

"Given the escalation of the situation on the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan contact line and the OSCE's role in the conflict settlement, the Co-Chairs will gather in Vienna next week during ongoing consultations, who, as expected, will inform other Minsk Group countries about the situation and the next steps”, the agency representative said.

The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova announced that Russia is consulting with its partners, the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group.  “We are following the developments of the situation”, Zakharova said.

The OSCE Minsk Group is mediating the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The group is chaired by Russia, France and the US. Member countries of the Minsk Group are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Finland and Turkey.

13:27 Putin concerned over military operations on Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan contact line

Russian President Vladimir Putin is concerned about the military operations on the contact line of Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan. As "Armenpress" reports, citing "Ria Novosti", the Press Secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "President Putin has called on the conflicting parties to immediately cease fire and to exercise restraint," Peskov said.

13:25 “Yerkrapah” and other volunteer regiments ready to head to frontline

The “Yerkrapah” Volunteer Union is hundred percent ready to perform its duties. The press secretary of the “Yerkrapah” Volunteer Union informed their official position in an interview with “Armenpress". He assured that the “Yerkrapah” Volunteer Union President Manvel Grigoryan is cooperating and being assigned tasks by the Supreme Commanders of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, and gives assignments within the organizations headed by him.”"Yerkrapah” is the reserve of the army, the structure of a patriotic ideology. The Union possesses the information, and is 100 percent ready to perform their task, their duty" Vardan Vardanyan said.

Founding member of the Armenian National Guards Arshak Zakaryan said that they have formed volunteer regiments and are waiting for the order to head to the frontline. "We are ready to perform different tasks, now we are waiting for the order to go. We are operating under the supervision of the armed forces and will not act on our own”, Zakaryan added.

13:13 Bako Sahakyan convenes the Security Council meeting

Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan chaired the Security Council meeting on the large-scale violations of the ceasefire regime initiated by the enemy along the Karabagh-Azerbaijani borderline on April 2. 

As “Armenpress” was informed from the press service of Artsakh President Office, Defense Minister Levon Mnatsakanyan delivered a report and noted that the Defense Army exercises a firm control over the situation along the border, it has averted all the encroachments of the enemy inflicting severe losses on them. 
The President gave concrete instructions to the defense ministry and heads of all the corresponding bodies on safeguarding the inviolability of frontiers and state security.

13:01 Nagorno Karabakh Defense Ministry reports another downed Azerbaijani helicopter

Armed clashes continue along the entire contact line of Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijani opposing forces. The Nagorno Karabakh Defense Ministry reports about another destruction of Azerbaijani military equipment. Heated battles take place in the southern (Hadrut) and north-eastern (Martakert) directions of the contact line. According to confirmed information, Nagorno Karabakh forces have destroyed 2 tanks in the south-eastern front, 1 tank and 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in the north-eastern direction, “Armenpress” was informed by the Press Service of the Nagorno Karabakh Defense Ministry.

This press release was being prepared, when it became known that at 12:30 the Defense Army Air Defense downed another enemy helicopter in the south-eastern direction, and 1 UAV in the north-eastern direction.

12:46 Armenian Defense Ministry informs of new losses of Azerbaijani military equipment

The Defense Ministry of the Republic of Armenia informs of new losses of Azerbaijani military equipment. “Armenpress” reports Armenian Defense Ministry spokesman Artsrun Hovhannisyan informs, “In addition to the helicopter, the Azerbaijani army lost a tank and an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle during the fights”.

12:24 Armenian Prime Minister: Armenian state bodies ready for necessary actions to stabilize the situation

Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan convened a consultation on March 2 regarding the large-scale offensive actions of Azerbaijan along the entire contact line of Karabakh-Azerbaijan opposing forces. The consultation was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for International Economic Integration and Reforms of ArmeniaVache Gabrielyan, Minister of Health Armen Muradyan, Minister of Emergency Situations Armen Yeritsyan, Deputy Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan and Deputy Foreign Minister Shavaarsh Kocharyan.

12:09 Azerbaijani sabotage unit sustains many casualties and retreats from outskirts of Levonarkh settlement

According to the Nagorno Karabakh Defense Army’s data, the Special Forces of the Defense Army located and neutralized in the outskirts of Leonarkh the adversary’s sabotage reconnaissance unit, which retreated by sustaining casualties.

As “Armenpress” was informed by the Information and Public Relations department of the Armenian Defense Ministry, the military operation continue.

11:47 Armenia in constant contact with military/diplomatic representatives of foreign countries

The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia is in constant contact with international organizations and diplomatic/military representatives of foreign countries for necessary consultations and exchange of information regarding the developments on the contact line of Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijani opposing forces. As “Armenpress” reports, this was stated by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia Artsrun Hovhannisyan.

11:25 RF MFA carefully watches situation in Karabakh conflict zone

The Foreign Ministry of Russia carefully examines the information of the situation in Karabakh conflict zone. “Armenpress” reports Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova announced about it.  “We carefully examine the coming information”, she said.

11:06 Azerbaijani Mi 24/35 was downed in Eastern part of Mrav Mountain

The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia officially informs, that the Azerbaijani helicopter which was attacking Armenian positions, was downed in the eastern part of the Mrav Mountain. As "Armenpress" reports, this was stated by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Artsrun Hovhannisyan. "According to official information, the Azerbaijani Mi 24/35 helicopter was shot down in the eastern part of the Mrav Mountain”, Hovhannisyan said.

10:44 12-year old child killed by Azerbaijani artillery fire against civilian settlements: 2 wounded

Along the entire length of the contact line of Nagorno Karabakh- Azerbaijani opposing forces, on April 1 and throughout the morning of April 2, the adversary undertook large-scale offensive military actions, during which the adversary shelled with missile-artillery units not only Armenian defense positions, but also civilian settlements, "Armenpress" was informed by the Press Service of the Nagorno Karabakh Defense Ministry.

According to the data of the Defense Army, the Azerbaijani armed forces fired MM-21 (Grad) multiple rocket launcher on April 2, at 08: 30 in the direction of Martuni (NKR), killing 12 year old Vaghinak Grigoryan and wounding two others. 

10:30 FM spokesman: Baku escalates tensions around Nagorno Karabakh issue due to its unconstructive position

The Official Baku escalates the tension around the Nagorno Karabakh issue due to its unconstructive position. As "Armenpress" reports,  this was a noted via Twitter by the Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesman Tigran Balayan, commenting on the statement regarding the escalation of tension on the Nagorno Karabakh- Azerbaijan contact line. "Apparently, Baku escalates the tension due to the criticism of the international community concerning human rights data of Azerbaijan and its unconstructive position regarding the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict”, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman noted.

10:26 David Babayan: Current Azerbaijani actions are unprecedented since 1994

Azerbaijani actions are a challenge directed against the international community, Artsakh President’s spokesperson David Babayan told “Armenpress”. “Azerbaijan is a terrorist, fascist, abnormal state. This is a challenge for the entire civilized world. Talks are held in Washington, the whole world has gathered there, but Azerbaijan, with the support of Turkey, takes such measures. Of course, we properly retaliated, Azerbaijan has suffered numerous causalities, they have been repelled but anyway, such behavior must adequately be responded by the international community”, David Babayan said.

In his words, the current actions of Azerbaijan are unprecedented since 1994. “Azerbaijan thanked John Kerry for mediation after the meeting. Now the same Azerbaijan launches offensive. They say one thing, but do the contrary. We are here to protect the honor of the civilized world. Finally Azerbaijan must be toughly responded by the international community for such behavior. It goes without saying that the international community must take practical steps”, David Babayan said.

The spokesperson for the Artsakh President mentioned that Azerbaijan continues to fire in Artsakh direction, an Azerbaijani helicopter has been downed, they have suffered numerous causalities, and the Armenian side keeps control of the situation. There is no panic among the Armenian side. Azerbaijani border troops are in a panic.

10:21 Priority plans of the Azerbaijani side failed: Adversary sustains significant losses

Heated battles continue on the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijani border. As "Armenpress" reports, the press secretary of the Armenian Defense Ministry Artsrun Hovhannisyan stated this. "According to our information, our units conducted counteroffensive operations by implementing concrete defensive battles, thus, causing significant losses to the adversary. The fact that the adversary’s priority plans have failed, is evidenced by the absence of any information regarding these large-scale military operations on all Azerbaijani websites. The adversary has two options: to change the situation, or think of ways to report on the human and material losses to its public”, Hovhannisyan said.

09:42 Armenian Ministry of Defense: Azerbaijani authorities responsible for unprecedented tension of situation on contact line

The Armenian Defense Ministry officially confirms the information about the active attack operations by Azerbaijani forces on April 1 and early morning of April 2 along the entire length of the contact line of Nagorno-Karabakh-Azerbaijani opposing forces. During the operations, the adversary, using tanks, artillery and air force, tried to penetrate into the depth of the Nagorno Karabakh Defense Army and take tactical positions.

 As "Armenpress" was informed by the Department of Information and Public Relations of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, at this moment, by the Nagorno Karabakh Defense Army’s operations, the adversary was thrown back along the entire contact line and sustained casualties. Military operations continue.

The Armenian Defense Ministry strongly condemns the unprecedented aggressive and irresponsible decision of the Azerbaijani authorities to start military operations and officially announces that the continuation of these operations can lead to unforeseen consequences for the Azerbaijani side.

 The Azerbaijani authorities bear the full responsibility for the unprecedented tension of the situation on the contact line of Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan forces.

 The Armenian Ministry of Defense draws the attention of the international community and especially the Co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group to the situation and expects immediate and targeted interventions to keep the situation under control and to avoid large-scale military actions.

09:39 Attacks unleashed by Azerbaijan cause causalities on both sides

Active battles continue on the contact line of Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijani opposing forces. There are casualties on both sides. As "Armenpress" reports, this was stated by spokesman of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia Artsrun Hovhannisyan.

 "At the moment active military operations continue, the Armenian army confidently conducted counteroffensives and in some areas started counterattacking. There were casualties on both sides, but the adversary has lost a large number of manpower, equipment, including a helicopter. The control of the military operations is in our hands”, Hovhannisyan said. 

09:26 Nagorno Karabakh Air Defense destroys attacking Azerbaijani helicopter

Azerbaijani armed forces continue large-scale attacks on the contact line of Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijani opposing forces; "Armenpress" was informed by the Press Service of the Nagorno Karabakh Defense Ministry.

As of now, the Defense Army conducts successful defensive battles throughout all directions of the contact line, causing significant losses to the adversary’s manpower and equipment.

According to the Defense Army’s information, in addition to other losses caused by the Defense Army, in the northern part of the contact line the Defense Army destroyed a hostile attack helicopter which was attacking the Armenian positions. 

08:34 Heated clashes take place along Nagorno-Karabakh-Azerbaijani contact line

In the southern, south-eastern and north-eastern directions of the contact line, on April 1 and early morning of April 2, the adversary carried out attack operations, using artillery, armored vehicles, and air force. As "Armenpress" was informed by the Press Service of the Nagorno Karabakh Defense Ministry, in addition to the contact line battles, the adversary hit civilian areas and permanently deployed military units by artillery fire.

 Artsakh Defense Ministry's press release states: “Heated clashes are taking place at this moment along the entire length of the contact line of Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijani opposing forces.

 The Defense Army forces, accepting the challenge of the adversary, are conducting reliable defensive battles. We will give more details about the situation in the upcoming press releases”.