Two Armenian minors detained near border while retrieving horse, councilor says

Two minors from Armenia's Syunik Province have been detained after inadvertently approaching the border while attempting to retrieve a horse.

The Armenian National Security Service (NSS) reported that the minors, identified as Karen Jhangiryan (born June 27, 2007) and Andrey Gyagunts (born January 13, 2008), both residents of the Tegh community, lost their way and accidentally crossed into Azerbaijani territory last night.

Speaking to Panorama.am, Argam Hovsepyan, a member of the Tegh community council from the Country to Live party, said the incident occurred at around 1 a.m. when the teenagers from the villages of Aravus and Tegh set out on horseback to bring back another horse from the area near the border.

“In the morning, we learned what had happened. They had simply gone to retrieve a horse. They approached the border and were detained,” Hovsepyan explained.

He added that they are now awaiting the authorities’ steps to ensure the safe return of the minors.

“We hope the young men will be released and repatriated soon,” the councilor added.