New Clashes Between Armenia and Azerbaijan: Video of Equipment Destroyed, Dead

Both sides accuse each other of provocations.

On November 16, the situation on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan escalated. Reports are emerging of local clashes involving artillery and armored vehicles, with both sides accusing each other of provocations. 

Armenia's Defense Ministry reported deaths during the fighting and accused Baku of attempting to break through the border in the eastern direction. Armenia also published a video of the "destruction of enemy armored vehicles that invaded the territory of the Republic of Armenia." 

It is unknown where and when the video was filmed. In Baku, they claim an attack on Azerbaijani positions. Yerevan has appealed to Moscow for help in defending its sovereignty, as the attack allegedly targeted its sovereign territory. 

Based on this, it can be assumed that the fighting is taking place on internationally recognized Armenian territory, rather than in Nagorno-Karabakh. However, there is no reliable information about this. 

What Azerbaijan Says

Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry said that on November 15, Armenian forces from several directions "subjected Azerbaijani army positions to intense fire from various calibers of small arms." 

Azerbaijanis, according to them, "resorted to adequate counteraction to suppress the enemy's combat activity." Azerbaijanis claim they are in control of the situation. 

Later, they stated that Armenians were allegedly "in panic" leaving their positions. They have not published photos or videos to confirm their claims. 

What Armenia Says

Armenians say this is all a "large-scale disinformation campaign" launched by Azerbaijanis "ahead of an actual attack." 

Armenia's Defense Ministry states: "It is more than obvious that Azerbaijan attacked, striking Armenian positions with artillery and armored vehicles." 

The published video shows artillery destroying one piece of equipment in mountainous terrain. Flags or insignia cannot be made out in these frames. 

On November 16, Armenia's Defense Ministry noted: "As of 15:00, the situation on the eastern border of the Republic of Armenia has not changed significantly. Local clashes are ongoing involving artillery, armored vehicles and small arms of various calibers." 

"The enemy is suffering heavy losses in armored vehicles and personnel. Information about the injured and wounded on the Armenian side is being clarified. Four wounded are currently confirmed," Armenia reported. 

Dead and Wounded

According to unconfirmed data, 15 Armenian servicemen were killed in the border clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 

The latest escalation on the border began a few days ago. On November 15, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Azerbaijani forces had invaded the country's territory. 

Armenia's Defense Ministry reported four wounded servicemen and 12 captured. The ministry also reported deaths but did not give a number. As of the evening of November 16, the Defense Ministry had confirmed only one serviceman killed. 

Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry said two military personnel were wounded. In Yerevan, they claim that "fighting continues and its intensity has not subsided." 

On November 10, 2021, the anniversary of the end of the war in Nagorno-Karabakh was marked. As a result of that conflict, Azerbaijan gained control of approximately half of the territory of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.