The Defense Ministry on Tuesday, May 25 denied reports alleging that a shootout took place between the Armenian and Azerbaijani forces and that Armenian soldiers were injured near Sisian, in the southern province of Syunik.

"No incidents took place in that section," the Defense Ministry said.

The comments came just hours after it was reported that Armenian serviceman, Junior Sergeant V. Y. Khurshudyan (b. 1989) was killed on Tuesday when the Azerbaijani military opened fire on the Armenian troops deployed near the village of Verin Shorzha, Gegharkunik Province.

On the morning of May 12, the armed forces of Azerbaijan violated the border of Armenia in the southern province of Syunik, advancing 3.5 kilometers and surrounding Sev Lake, which is situated on the border between the two countries but is predominantly a part of Armenia. On May 13, the Azerbaijani military committed more border violations against Armenia, advancing near Vardenis (Gegharkunik province) and Sisian (Syunik province).