Ex-Armenian commander concedes major setbacks in 2016 April battles Baku Trial Uncovers Truth

During a session at the Baku Military Court, Levon Mnatsakanyan—the former self-styled "defence minister" of the separatist entity that had operated in Azerbaijan’s formerly occupied territories—made a notable admission concerning the 2016 April battles, conceding that 18 combat positions were lost over the course of the hostilities.

Mnatsakanyan, who held the rank of lieutenant general at the time of the clashes, responded to questions from state prosecutor Nasir Bayramov concerning the military setbacks suffered by Armenian forces during the four-day war in April 2016, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

During the proceedings, the court was shown excerpts from two post-conflict interviews Mnatsakanyan had given to media outlets. In one of the interviews, conducted shortly after the ceasefire, he claimed: “The general situation is under control, the combat readiness of the troops is at an appropriate level, our borders are strong and in safe hands.” When asked by a journalist whether “the enemy is also on the defensive,” Mnatsakanyan responded affirmatively, asserting: “Yes.”

However, prosecutor Bayramov challenged the narrative presented in the interview, questioning Mnatsakanyan: “What enemy and defence against what attack are you talking about in the interview?” The defendant was unable to provide a clear or specific answer, undercutting the credibility of his previous statements and exposing contradictions in his public messaging at the time.

The ongoing trial involves multiple Armenian nationals charged with serious crimes, including war crimes, genocide, terrorism, the financing of terrorism, the planning and waging of aggressive war, violations of international humanitarian law, and the violent seizure and retention of power.

By Vafa Guliyeva