Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry Spreads Another Misinformation, Says Artsakh Interior Ministry

The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry has spread another piece of misinformation claiming that the Armenian side, accompanied by Russian peacekeepers, is transporting troops and ammunition along the Stepanakert-Gabalishen-Lisagor forest road. This information comes from the police of the Artsakh Ministry of Internal Affairs.

In reality, only the movement of civilians and humanitarian cargo between the settlements of Artsakh is taking place along this route, under the escort of peacekeeping forces. It is noteworthy that communication between some villages in the Shushi region and the capital has been disrupted since December 12, 2022, due to Azerbaijan blocking the Stepanakert-Goris interstate highway.

Considering the geographically challenging terrain of that mountainous road, the traffic is organized with large and high vehicles, which the Azerbaijani side attempts to portray as military transport vehicles. Meanwhile, Russian peacekeepers are fulfilling their responsibilities as outlined in the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020. In light of the diversionary attack on Artsakh police on March 5 and the ensuing additional security risks, the Russian side has ensured the safe movement of civilians and cargo.