Azerbaijan reveals Armenian servicemen’s names behind deadly missile attack on Ganja

During the session of the Baku Military Court, documents have been presented listing the names of Armenian servicemen involved in the missile strike on the Azerbaijani city of Ganja.

The documents reveal that under the command of Colonel Artashen Ajatyan, head of the 71st Military Equipment Storage Base (military unit #51556) based in Armenia’s Stepanavan district, and his deputies, Lieutenant Colonel Ari Sargsyan, Lieutenant Colonel Vazgen Vardanyan, commander of the tactical missile division “Elbrus” and Lieutenant Colonel Tigran Vardanyan, commander of the tactical missile division “Iskander” - a tactical missile system “Elbrus,” known for its significantly greater destructive capacity compared to previously used weaponry, was deployed to Vardenis (historically Basarkechar) district of the Gegharkunik district, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

On October 11, 2020, a missile armed with an 8F44-type high-explosive warhead was deliberately launched from this system towards Ganja, a city outside the active conflict zone. At the time, no military operations were taking place in the city, nor were there any military targets. The missile strike resulted in the intentional deaths of 10 civilians, with one civilian seriously injured, 18 sustaining minor injuries, and 32 others suffering wounds of unspecified severity. 

The ongoing trial in Baku involves Armenian citizens charged with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes—including planning and waging aggressive war—genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, unlawful seizure and retention of power, among other serious offenses.

The next court session is scheduled for June 2.

By Naila Huseynova