Armenia

Border Clash

On February 12, according to reports from the Armenian Defense Ministry, Azerbaijani armed forces initiated gunfire towards Armenian combat positions near Nerkin Hand in the Syunik Province. As a result, four Armenian soldiers were killed in action, and one was wounded. The wounded soldier's condition is currently assessed as moderate, with no immediate threat to life.

In response to the Azerbaijani accusations of ceasefire violations by Armenian forces on February 12, the Armenian Defense Ministry stated that these claims do not align with reality. 

The Armenian Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the Azerbaijani armed forces' use of force in the area of Nerkin Hand in the Syunik region, resulting in casualties of four killed and one wounded on February 13. "Despite ongoing investigations into previous incidents, including the footage published by Azerbaijani media regarding an alleged incident involving Armenian border guards on February 12, Azerbaijan initiated aggressive actions on the morning of February 13. This pattern suggests Azerbaijan's inclination toward escalating tensions along the border," the report added. The Armenian statement highlighted the bellicose rhetoric and propaganda activities conducted by the military and political leadership of Azerbaijan in the days leading up to the incident. It accuses Azerbaijan of consistently undermining efforts to stabilize and secure the South Caucasus region and obstructing negotiations for the normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations. Armenia strongly condemns Azerbaijan's resort to military provocations and calls for refraining from actions that destabilize the situation, urging a return to negotiations.

Armenian Military Academy Hosts Swedish International Cooperation Agency Official

On February 12, Colonel Arthur Yeroyan, the Head of the Military Academy named after Vazgen Sargsyan, welcomed Kristin Olson, the chief specialist of the Swedish International Cooperation Development Agency's EC Projects, along with other officials, including Hrayr Hovakimyan, Head of the Center for Human Rights and Welfare of the Armenian Ministry, and Armen Grigoryan, Head of the National Program "Promotion of Human Rights in the Armenian Armed Forces."

The meeting covered various topics related to human rights and strengthening good behavior within the armed forces. Discussions also included the application of monitoring mechanisms to ensure human rights are upheld and the features and methodology of teaching subjects related to international humanitarian law. Additionally, plans for further training lecturers within the cooperation framework were addressed.

The gathering aimed to enhance understanding and implementation of human rights principles within the military, fostering a culture of respect and adherence to international standards.

Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan Visits Germany for Bilateral Talks

On February 16, Armenian Minister of Defence Suren Papikyan commenced a working visit to the Federal Republic of Germany as part of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's delegation.

Continuing the visit on February 17, Papikyan engaged in a brief meeting with Boris Pistorius, Germany's Minister of Defence. The discussion focused on the progress of Armenian-German cooperation, with both parties expressing satisfaction with the current state and affirming their commitment to further expand cooperation.

Emphasizing the significance of security and stability in the South Caucasus region, both Ministers highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts. The German side conveyed its readiness to assist the ongoing reforms in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, indicating a commitment to bolstering defense capabilities and promoting regional stability.

Armenia Denies Azerbaijani Claims of Border Provocation

On February 16, the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan issued a statement alleging that units of the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire towards Azerbaijani combat positions in the eastern part of the border at 12:50 PM [local time]. However, the Armenian side reported that this statement is disinformation.

Armenian Defense Minister Holds Talks with Lithuanian and Bulgarian Counterparts

On February 17, as part of the delegation led by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Suren Papikyan engaged in a meeting with Arvydas Anušauskas, the Minister of National Defence of Lithuania. The discussions primarily centered on the present status and future prospects of collaboration between the two nations, focusing on reinforcing ties within the European Union and NATO frameworks. Both ministers also deliberated on bilateral concerns, including regional security issues.

Furthermore, Minister Suren Papikyan discussed with Todor Tagarev, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria. The talks revolved around Armenian-Bulgarian cooperation in defense matters, encompassing various regional collaboration and security issues. The meeting concluded with an agreement to extend and fortify collaboration between Armenia and Bulgaria.

Azerbaijan

Border Clash

On February 12, at approximately 1:37 PM [local time], the Azerbaijani Border Service reported that shots were fired from the Armenian Armed Forces positioned in the direction of the Nerkin-And settlement of Kapan district, towards the Border Troops of the State Border Service stationed in the territory of Kollugishlaq village in Zangilan district, along the Azerbaijan-Armenia conditional state border passing through Zangilan district. The incident resulted in the injury of soldier Khalilzadeh Parviz Agakishi, a member of the State Border Service, who was promptly evacuated by helicopter to a specialized medical facility. 

Furthermore, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that at 8:50 PM and 11:40 PM, units of the Armenian armed forces fired small arms from positions near Chinarli settlement in the Tovuzgala region, targeting Azerbaijan Army positions stationed in the direction of Kokhanabi settlement in the Tovuz region.

On February 13, the State Border Service units conducted a "revenge operation." During the operation, the combat post of the Armenian Armed Forces near the Nerkin-And settlement of Kapan district, where Azerbaijani soldiers were targeted, was completely destroyed, and the combat positions were neutralized. It is emphasized that any provocation by the Armenian side aimed at escalating tensions along the Azerbaijan-Armenia conditional state border will be met with more severe and decisive measures in the future. "The military and political leadership of Armenia bears full responsibility for the incident and its consequences," the report added.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry condemned the 'military provocation by the Armed Forces of Armenia on February 12', which resulted in the injury of a military serviceman from the State Border Service of Azerbaijan. "This act of provocation is deemed a significant setback to the ongoing peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. It is particularly concerning as it occurred during a period of stability in the region, contradicting the peace messages proclaimed by Armenia in recent months. The fact that this provocation occurred in an area monitored by the European Union Mission in Armenia raises serious questions about the mission's goals and objectives," the ministry added. 

On February 14, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that at 12:25 [local time], units of the Armenian armed forces attempted to carry out reconnaissance flights with a quadcopter from their positions “located in the direction of Zarkand settlement of Basarkechar region (Syunik - ed.)” over the positions of the Azerbaijan Army in the direction of Istibulag settlement of Kalbajar region. Thanks to the vigilance of the Azerbaijan Army Units, the UAV was forced to retreat, and sabotage was suppressed.

On February 16, the ministry reported that at 12:50, units of the Armenian armed forces from the positions stationed in the direction of the Syunik region using large-caliber weapons subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Army positions stationed in the direction of the Tazakend settlement of the Dashkasan region.

Local exercises

On February 15, the command-staff mobilization exercise was conducted in one of the military units. During the exercises, measures were taken to deploy reception points, study the process of receiving military personnel, mobilize units and organize combat interoperability, deploy in the operational area, clarify reports on positioning in terrain, and take the operational area and organize an offensive operation. 

On February 16, the command-staff mobilization exercise was conducted in one of the military units. During the exercises, measures were taken to deploy reception points, study the process of receiving military personnel, mobilize units and organize combat interoperability, deploy in the operational area, clarify reports on positioning in terrain, and take the operational area and organize an offensive operation. 

On February 17, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, the First Deputy Minister of Defense – Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Lieutenant General Hikmat Mirzayev, the Commander of the Land Forces, and other high-ranking officials of the Ministry visited one of the commando military units. The Chief of the General Staff enquired about the daily activities of the military unit, the state of combat readiness, and service conditions. It was reported that the necessary conditions have been created to increase the level of professionalism of the servicemen and to fulfill tasks under challenging conditions, and various measures are underway. Then, Colonel General Valiyev watched the practical classes of the commandos on combat and special training in high mountainous terrain and severe winter conditions. The importance of increasing the intensity of exercises and classes to maintain the commandos' high-level combat readiness was noted. To accurately and timely accomplish the tasks set to the military unit, the command staff was assigned specific tasks to further improvement of the quality of exercises and classes.

On the same day, a training session was held with the participation of a group of reservists. During the training session, reservists are taught the tactical and technical characteristics of small arms and grenades, their incomplete disassembly and reassembly, and the rules of use. Moreover, the tasks of bringing the weapons to combat readiness, taking the firing position, and detecting and destroying imaginary enemy targets by following the correct targeting rules are accomplished in the training area. The main purpose of the session conducted with the participation of reservists is to increase their level of combat training, knowledge, and skills, as well as to improve their practical skills.

Azerbaijan Military Representatives Attend CIS Military Education Meeting in Moscow

On February 16, representatives of the Military Attaché Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Russian Federation took part in the meeting of the heads of governing bodies of military education of the member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Moscow.

The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Major General Yuri Dashkin, the Secretary of the Council of CIS Defense Ministers. It discussed the activities carried out in 2023 and the measures planned for 2024. Also, speeches of authorized persons were heard, and detailed views were exchanged on the opportunities for mutual integration of military education systems in the CIS within the modern challenges.

At the end, a protocol was signed on the progress of the meeting and held discussions.

Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan Set to Sign Military Intelligence Cooperation Agreement

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are preparing to sign an agreement on cooperation in the field of military intelligence. The document provides for the exchange of military intelligence information in the defense field. It is noted that the countries will not conduct military intelligence activities directed against the other party. The agreement is concluded for five years but is automatically extended if neither party decides to terminate it.

Georgia

Georgian Defense Minister Holds Key Meetings with US, Turkish, and Romanian Diplomats

On February 12, Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani held an introductory meeting with Robin Dunnigan, the US Ambassador Emergency and Plenipotentiary. The minister expressed gratitude for the strong political and practical support from the United States. Discussions centered on security and defense cooperation, emphasizing Georgia's contribution to international security. NATO-Georgian cooperation and Georgia's progress towards integration into the Alliance were also discussed, with both sides expressing hope for further strengthening defense cooperation.

On February 14, Minister Chikovani met with Ali Kaan Orbai, the Ambassador Emergency and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey. The Turkish diplomat congratulated Chikovani on his appointment and discussed strategic partnership, bilateral defense cooperation, and regional security. Attention was given to Turkey's support in developing Georgian Defense Forces, including military education, joint exercises, and assistance in implementing the NATO-Georgia Essential Package.

On the same day, Minister Chikovani met with Răzvan Rotundu, the Romanian Ambassador and Defense Attache. Gratitude was expressed for Romania's support of Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and integration into NATO and the EU. Discussions highlighted the strategic partnership between Georgia and Romania, successful defense cooperation, and Romania's role in implementing the NATO-Georgia Essential Package. The parties expressed hopes for deepening and diversifying cooperation in various areas, including training and military education.