Azerbaijan says ‘fulfilled objectives’ on border after clashes that killed 49 Armenian troops

Armenia announced at least 49 its troops were killed, with the defence ministry saying the intensity of fighting had subsided following heavy shelling from Azerbaijan that began overnight

Azerbaijan said Tuesday that it had completed its military objectives on the border with Armenia after a lull following the worst fighting between the arch-foes since their 2020 war.

“Provocations committed by Armenian forces at the border have been averted and all necessary objectives were fulfilled,” President Ilham Aliyev’s office said in a statement following his meeting with the military leadership.

“Responsibility for the tensions lie entirely with the political leadership of Armenia,” the statement added.

Armenia announced at least 49 its troops were killed, with the defence ministry saying the intensity of fighting had subsided following heavy shelling from Azerbaijan that began overnight.

Earlier Armenia appealed to world leaders, saying Azerbaijani forces were trying to advance onto its territory.

Azerbaijan’s defence ministry said its forces were responding to Armenian provocations and denied claims that they were hitting civilian infrastructure.

It said the clashes took the lives of some of its troops, without giving the number of casualties.