We Are Not Planning to Leave Our Homeland: Vahram Poghosyan

The spokesperson for the President of the Republic of Artsakh, Vahram Poghosyan, assures that the people of Artsakh are not planning to leave their homeland. In a Facebook press conference on October 12, he stated, "The people of Artsakh are standing strong today. Of course, due to security concerns, many families have moved to safer places, but overall, the people of Artsakh are standing firm, the Armenian people are standing firm, and we are not planning to go anywhere from our homeland," said Poghosyan.

Poghosyan added that he does not believe there is a panic among the population. According to him, society is quite united.

It should be noted that on September 27, Azerbaijani forces launched a large-scale attack in Artsakh, targeting even civilian populations. As of October 11, Artsakh's armed forces have shot down 16 helicopters, 17 planes, 165 drones, and destroyed 510 units of armored vehicles, mainly tanks, along with 86 vehicles, 10 armored personnel carriers, 4 TOS-1A heavy multiple rocket launchers, 4 Smerch MLRS and 1 Uragan-type multiple rocket launcher.

The adversary has suffered over 4719 casualties. On the Armenian side, preliminary data indicates there are 480 casualties. Azerbaijani armed forces have also targeted military and civilian infrastructure in Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia, resulting in the deaths of 2 civilians in Gegharkunik, 25 civilians killed in Artsakh, and 102 civilians injured, as well as damage to approximately 5800 properties and infrastructure.

As a result of the shelling by Azerbaijani forces, journalists from both foreign and local media have been injured. A state of military emergency was declared in Armenia and Artsakh on September 27. A ceasefire came into effect at 12:00 on October 10; however, Azerbaijani forces conducted diversionary actions and shelled civilian settlements in Artsakh after the ceasefire was declared.