STEPANAKERT. – The announcement of the AzerbaijanI Defense Ministry on readiness to cease the fire is misinformation, because it shells Karabakh civilian settlements, the Karabakh Defense Army said in a statement.

The Azerbaijani side started a large-scale offensive in the direction of Karabakh early on Saturday morning adopted by using almost all possible types of weapons. Moreover, after the statement on ceasing hostilities, Azerbaijan shelled peaceful settlements of Armenia, including the town of Martakert, from MM 21 launchers and the 152-millimeter weapons.

These facts, as well as the use of the terms “a counterattack” “strengthening of the liberated territories” suggest that that the document is false and its true purpose is simulation of the cease-fire that is full of open preconditions.

“The Karabakh army is ready to discuss the offer to cease the fire in the context of restoring the initial positions,” the Defense Army said in a statement. 

The situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone dramatically escalated on Saturday night. From regular shootings and frequent sabotage-reconnaissance attempts, Azerbaijan has now shifted to large-scale attack all along the Line of Contact, using a variety of weaponry as well as artillery, armored vehicles, and air force. Both sides have suffered losses.