Dozens Detained in Armenia After Alleged "Battle Brotherhood" Members Attempt to Reach Azerbaijan Border
On March 24, an attempted attack on the Nor Nork administrative district police station in Yerevan resulted in two of the three assailants sustaining injuries. According to the Ministry of Interior (MIA), the attackers utilized a hand grenade in their attempt to breach the police station, leading to injuries to two of them, aged 51 and 55, who were subsequently transported to the hospital. The incident occurred around 17:00 local time.
The MIA further stated that the third armed individual was subdued without the use of force by the police and the National Security Service of Armenia. While the reasons behind the attack remain undisclosed, the Ministry's spokesperson, Narek Sargsyan, informed journalists that the detained assailant was in an inadequate state to communicate his motives, leaving it to the investigation to discern. In response to the armed assault, the Investigative Committee of Armenia has initiated a criminal case under the "terrorism" article of the Armenian Criminal Code, which carries a penalty of up to 12 years of imprisonment.
The "Battle Brotherhood" union, in a Facebook statement, disavowed any involvement in the attack on the police.
Some political analysts reported that the attackers are affiliated with the National Democratic Alliance, a pro-Western and nationalist fringe group known for its criticism of Pashinyan.
On the same day, police apprehended 49 members of the "Battle Brotherhood" on suspicion of "illegal carrying and storage of weapons," reportedly after their visit to the Tavush province bordering Azerbaijan, where they intended to support residents protesting against the government's plans to cede border villages to Azerbaijan. The organization's initiative included plans to establish a landfill in the border region and provide training to residents to assist the villagers who oppose the government's intention to transfer border territories to Azerbaijan. Despite law enforcement warnings, representatives of the "Battle Brotherhood" attempted to reach the border villages indirectly but were unable to hold any events. As of 6:10 PM on March 24, Hrant Ter-Gabrielyan, the head of the "Battle Brotherhood" association, confirmed the release of all 49 organization members.