Azerbaijanis shelling in the direction of Armenian Jermuk

Azerbaijani artillery is shelling in the direction of the resort town of Jermuk in Armenia's Vayots Dzor region, Vardan Sarkisyan, deputy mayor of the town, said.

YEREVAN, Sept. 14. /ARKA/. Azerbaijani artillery is shelling in the direction of the resort town of Jermuk in Armenia's Vayots Dzor region, Vardan Sarkisyan, deputy mayor of the town, said.

"The entrance and exit from the town are threatened. The asphalt surface has not been damaged directly yet, but strikes are being struck nearby," he told Radio Azatutyun. He said there were no casualties among the town's s civilians at the moment.

"Women and children have mostly left on their own. Once the escalation began, everyone who wanted to leave the town, left on their own, and those who didn't want to - stayed, using shelters," he said.

The deputy mayor added that the local authorities are providing assistance to those who want it, including transportation, clothing and food. However, he said, in the current situation, there may be problems with the promptness of assistance.

On September 13 at 00.05, Azerbaijani Armed Forces started intensive shelling of Armenian positions using artillery, combat drones and large-caliber guns in the direction of Sotk, Vardenis, Goris, Kapan, Artanish and Ishkhanasar. They also made attempts to advance into Armenia's territory, but were made retreat by relatiatory fire.

Today morning, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces resumed their attacks, including the use of drone strikes and artillery, in the direction of Jermuk in Syunik and Verin Shorzha village in Gegharkunik regions.

Armenia said at least 49 of its soldiers were killed and three civilians were wounded, and Azerbaijan said it had lost 50 soldiers. -0-