YEREVAN. – Five persons have been released so far within the framework of the ongoing antiterrorist actions at the capital city Yerevan police station, which an armed group has taken over.

The Republic of Armenia National Security Service (RA NSS) on Wednesday informed about the above-said in a statement.

“Active actions are carried out, including negotiating contacts are continued with members of the armed group, to release the other hostages as well as to give a final peaceful solution to the current situation.

“Special units of the RA law enforcement agencies remain in a state of combat-readiness. But there are no necessary prerequisites yet for their active action,” the NSS statement also reads, in particular.

A group of armed men stormed into a Yerevan police patrol regiment, on early morning on July 17, and took several police officers hostage. Deputy regiment commander Artur Vanoyan was killed, and four other officers of the law plus one of the attackers were wounded during the ensuing gunfire exchange. 

Negotiations are still underway to release all hostages and end the armed resistance.

The gunmen demand the release of Jirair Sefilian, an imprisoned radical opposition activist.