Azerbaijani servicemen attempted to penetrate into the territory of the Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic on the night of Jan 20, killing NKR defense army sergeant Armen Hovhannisyan.

According to the army’s press office, the attacks, in the northeast and southeast directions of the contact line, were rebuffed, with numerous losses inflicted on the Azeri side.

NKR Defense Ministry extended condolences to Hovhannisyan’s family and said investigation is underway.

Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan issued a decree to honor Hovhannisyan with a medal for the courage displayed during the service posthumously.