Tensions reached a peak on the border but Armenian armed forces are properly in control of the situation. Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan said about the aforementioned during the interview with journalists in the National Assembly. “They shoot not only from rifles but also from mortars. There were a large number of shootings. There was a tank fire in south­eastern part of Artsakh, the shots were not accurate. This is a destabilization tactics by the enemy. The situation is under control thanks to the selfless actions. I, Artsakh Defense Minister and Chief of Staff are engaged in the control of first line and in the implementation of appropriate measures. I want our people to be sure that we develop mechanisms for deterring the actions,” Defense Minister mentioned, as “Armenpress” reports.

Asked on Armenia’s not turning to the international structures; to the security of CSTO and UN, Seyran Ohanyan answered that Armenia deals with a neighbor that does not understand clear human language and it is necessary a ceasefire for the dialogue; reciprocal agreements are needed.

The rival violated the ceasefire regime for over 180 times in the line of contact of the Karabakh­Azerbaijani opposing armies on December 8 and during the night of December 9. More than 1500 shots were fired towards Armenian frontier troops from weapons of different caliber, including 60 mm, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars, AGS­17 and RPG­7 grenade launchers.

The adversary also applied TR­107 artillery rocket and a tank. Contract soldier Garik Gurgen Avanesyan (born in 1991) sustained mortal gunshot wound at one of the fighting positions located in the eastern direction of the Defense Army at approximately 21:10, December 8, due to the shot the rival fired from large caliber sniper rifle.