Armenia heightens security measures in Yerevan after Ajapnyak shooting

Following an unprecedented shooting on February 18 in the Ajapnyak district of Yerevan, authorities have stepped up patrols across the city.

Police are stopping vehicles and conducting identity checks at multiple checkpoints, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian newspaper Zhoghovurd . 

The paper said: “Virtually all vehicles entering or leaving the city are being thoroughly inspected. In addition, law enforcement officers are verifying the identities of individuals. This is also due to the fact that not all participants in the Achapnyak shooting have been identified.”

The daytime shooting took place in a residential area. Zhoghovurd emphasised that these measures go beyond standard preventive operations:

“Signals from within the law enforcement system suggest that the Achapnyak incident is being treated as a crime of significant public danger. Extraordinary measures are being implemented to prevent any continuation or escalation of events,” the report reads.

On February 18, 2026, a violent shooting incident took place in the Achapnyak administrative district of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. The clash, described as a shootout in a residential area on Abelyan Street, left at least one person dead and multiple others injured. According to the Armenian Health Ministry, seven victims were taken to hospital; one later died, three were reported in critical condition and others were seriously wounded. Footage circulating online showed a group of individuals exchanging gunfire, and eyewitnesses said children in nearby yards ran in fear as shots rang out.

Armenian police launched major search and investigative operations after the incident, conducting raids at around 40 locations in Yerevan as part of a criminal probe that includes charges of murder, attempted murder, hooliganism and illegal arms trafficking. Authorities have identified suspects and initiated criminal proceedings against those involved, including the issuance of detention orders.

By Khagan Isayev