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Azerbaijan has recently stepped up sharply actions of subversive, sniper groups and other forces, which has escalated the situation on the frontline, political scientist Tigran Abrahamyan told Panorama.am when commenting on the latest developments on the border.

On August 28, around 1:40 am local time Azerbaijani troops made yet another attempt of reconnaissance subversive infiltration in the eastern direction of the line of contact between the armed forces of Karabakh and Azerbaijan, Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh Republic said in a statement. The frontline units of Defense Army of NKR promptly halted the advance of an Azerbaijani subversive group which had 20-25 members. The enemy was repelled to the previous positions and suffered losses. The Armenian side had no casualties. According to the statement, in addition to the subversive act, Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire about 110 times on the night of August 27-28, using small arms and artillery weapons of various calibers. Over that period the frontline Azerbaijani units fired over 2,000 shots at Armenian positions, with 35 shells fired from 60 mm, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars. The enemy’s activity was suppressed as a result of actions Defense Army of NKR took in response. The frontline units of NKR Defense Army continue to perform confidently their combat duties, the statement said.

Commenting on these developments, T. Abrahamyan said: “The Azerbaijani armed forces sharply stepped up their actions at various sections of the line of contact between the armed forces of Karabakh and Azerbaijan. Especially noticeable on the frontline is activity shown by subversive and sniper groups as well as mortar and grenade launcher units”.

The expert pointed out the use of Turkish-madeTR-107 multiple rocket launcher a few days ago as a factor that has increased the tension. In his words, this may also intensify certain processes and result in further escalation.

“The situation at the moment does not get out of control only because the Armenian forces on the frontline carry out operations that halt a sharp activation of Azerbaijani troops,” T. Abrahamyan said.