Azeri troops open fire at Artsakh civilians doing pruning work in vineyards

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense continues to spread disinformation that the Armenian side is allegedly using the Stepanakert-Ghaibalishen-Lisagor road to transport military supplies, the Artsakh Interior Ministry said on Friday.

The ministry stressed Azerbaijan is thus misleading the international community, preparing the ground for another provocation against the civilian population of Artsakh.

“The Ministry of Internal Affairs considers it necessary to emphasize once again that the movement of civilians and the transportation of humanitarian goods are carried out along the forest and mountain road bypassing Shushi, accompanied by Russian peacekeepers,” it said in a statement.

“Taking into account the geographical location of that road, the traffic is organized by large and tall vehicles, which the Azerbaijani side presents as military transport.

“While Azerbaijan falsely accuses the Armenian side of transporting weapons and ammunition, yesterday, March 23 and this morning, Azerbaijani combat positions targeted and opened fire with weapons of various types and calibers at a group of citizens carrying out pruning work in the vineyards of Machkalashen community of the Martuni region.

"No casualties were registered. Agricultural work has been suspended,” reads the statement.