ARMENIA’S MISSILE ATTACK KILLS CIVILIANS IN BARDA

Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States of America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Washington, DC – A day after Armenia and Azerbaijan reaffirmed their commitment to implement and abide by the humanitarian ceasefire, Armenia’s missile attack hit the Azerbaijani city of Barda representing Yerevan's latest violation of the truce. According to Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), Armenia used internationally prohibited Smerch cluster munitions in the attack on the city. Four civilians, including a child, were killed and 13 civilians were seriously injured.^[1]

In response to the broken ceasefire and continued attacks by Armenia, Ambassador Elin Suleymanov says:
“Once again, Armenia responded to calls to adhere to ceasefire – this time from Secretary Pompeo and other U.S. leaders – with a massive missile attack against civilians in Barda. The attack today brought the total civilian death toll to 69, including children. In fact, the overwhelming majority of civilian casualties are on the Azerbaijani side. Armenia systematically violates every ceasefire to provoke a third party, most likely Russian troops, directly into this confrontation. Armenian leaders show that they have no desire for a diplomatic solution and no respect for efforts of the world leaders to bring about a lasting peace based on international law.”

Armed forces of Armenia also continue to shell the Tartar city and its villages using heavy artillery. Among the damaged buildings is the Tartar branch of a carpet-weaving factory. Moreover, Armenia forces attacked a TV crew from media outlet Euronews and their clearly distinguishable vehicle with 9M133 Kornet anti-tank missile while the reporters were carrying out their professional duties. Fortunately, the crew was not injured in the attack. The vehicle was slightly damaged.

As reported[1], following intensive negotiations facilitated by the United States on October 24, Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to implement and abide by the humanitarian ceasefire agreed to in Moscow on October 10. Unfortunately, just minutes after the ceasefire took effect at midnight EST on October 26, Armenia’s armed forces subjected Azerbaijan military positions and civilian residential areas to intensive artillery fire along the entire frontline of the conflict.[2] Particularly, civilians are being targeted in Dashkasan, Aghjabadi, Tartar, Aghdam districts.

This is third time in two and a half weeks that the ceasefire regime is being grossly violated by Armenia. The other two ceasefires were agreed to on October 10 and 17 with the Russian and French mediation respectively. In the case of the October 17 breach, Armenia launched unprecedented Scud ballistic missile attacks on the second largest city of Ganja within an hour of the agreed humanitarian ceasefire in Moscow. The attack resulted in 12 civilian deaths and dozens injured[1]. Over the last few weeks, Ganja was hit 3 times, killing 26 people, including 6 children and 10 women.

Armenia demonstrates that it has no intention to adhere to any ceasefire. As declared by the Prime Minister of Armenia, this country does not see a diplomatic solution to the conflict and its ultimate goal is to continue the military occupation of the Azerbaijani territories. It shows outright disrespect to the tireless work of international mediators, including the latest intensive diplomatic efforts of the United States, in its violation of basic principles of international humanitarian law.

Meantime, cargo flights delivering various weapon systems from Russia to Armenia is continuing, including through the most recent Il-76 military cargo flights, which is another indication that Armenia is keen on involving third countries and raising the stakes even higher.

Azerbaijan remains committed to a lasting peaceful resolution of the conflict and continue to show respect to the agreed humanitarian ceasefire.

For further information:

Phone: (202) 337-3500