Vagharshak Harutyunyan is stepping down as Armenia's acting Defense Minister, the Ministry confirmed on Tuesday, July 19, according to Aysor.am.

Harutyunyan was appointed to the post in November 2020, after former Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan resigned following Armenia's defeat in the 44-day war unleashed by Azerbaijan in late 2020.

Harutyunyan's resignation comes amid growing tensions on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. In the past 24 hours, the Azerbaijani military has opened fire on Armenian positions and near civilian settlements in three provinces: Syunik, Gegharkunik and Ararat. The head of Yeraskh community in Ararat was wounded late on July 19.