The United States is deeply concerned about reports of intensive fighting today between Armenia and Azerbaijan. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted this in a press statement released Tuesday.

“We urge both sides to take immediate concrete steps to reduce tensions and avoid further escalation. We also call on the sides to engage directly and constructively to resolve all outstanding issues, including border demarcation.

“As noted in the Minsk Group Co-Chairs’ statement on November 15, the recent increase in tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan underscores the need for a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.”

At around 1pm on Tuesday, the units of the Azerbaijani armed forces attacked the Armenian positions located in the direction of the eastern border of Armenia. Also, the adversary used artillery, armored vehicles, and firearms of various calibers in this attack.

And according to the agreement reached through the mediation of the Russian side, the exchange of fire was stopped at 6:30pm, and the situation has relatively stabilized.

According to the Ministry of Defense of Armenia (MOD), as a result of the retaliatory actions by the Armenian side, the adversary has a large loss of manpower, and several units of its military equipment have been either destroyed or rendered inoperative.

The Armenian side also has losses.

"The number of wounded is being clarified. Another 12 servicemen were taken prisoner," added the Armenian MOD.