Victim on Tovuz clashes: Enemy's artillery shelled medical personnel

During an ongoing trial at the Baku Military Court, victim Vugar Sultanli delivered a testimony detailing violations of international humanitarian law during the Tovuz clashes on July 14, 2020.

Sultanli recounted the evacuation of high-ranking Azerbaijani officers, including Major General Polad Hashimov and Colonel Ilgar Mirzoyev, who were killed during the clashes. He stated that as they attempted to retrieve the bodies and evacuate the wounded, Armenian armed forces opened fire on them, and a shell exploded nearby, leaving several people injured, Caliber.Az reports, citing Azertag.

He noted the difficulty of the evacuation, emphasising that the “enemy opened artillery fire on the ambulances and medical workers in general.” He highlighted that such actions are prohibited under international humanitarian law and are considered a war crime. 

According to Sultanli, all access roads were under continuous artillery and mortar fire during the rescue operation. Two Azerbaijani ambulances were destroyed in the attacks. Ilgar Zeynalli, a paramedic, was killed, while a driver and two other medical workers were seriously injured.

The trial concerns several citizens of the Republic of Armenia accused of committing grave crimes, including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and acts of terrorism. The charges also encompass the financing of terrorism, attempted seizure and retention of power by force, genocide, and violations of the laws and customs of war.

The proceedings are set to continue on May 30.

A reminder that on July 14, 2020, large-caliber artillery fire was opened from positions located in Movses village of Berd district of Tavush region of the Republic of Armenia and a captured combat position called “Interim post” at a shelter built near a combat post of an unnamed military unit of the Ministry of Defence in Aghdam village of Tovuz district. As a result of a shell landing in the shelter and exploding, Maj-Gen Polad Israyil oglu Hashimov, Col Ilgar Anzor oglu Mirzayev, Maj Namig Hajan oglu Ahmadov, Maj Anar Gulverdi oglu Novruzov, and Ensign Yashar Vasif oglu Babayev were killed.

By Sabina Mammadli