Armenian Defense Minister Arshak Karapetyan has "given strict instructions" to rule out any attempt by Azerbaijan to advance into the country or improve their positions, according to a press release from the Defense Ministry.

Karapetyan chaired a board meeting on Thursday, August 6 and weighed in on situation along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, as well as provocations committed by the Azerbaijani armed forces and measures to counter them.

Preparations for winter were also on the table, with Karapetyan instructing the heads of relevant subdivisions to solve all existing problems in a short time and ensure proper conditions for winter conditions.

The Defense Ministry demanded that the participants of the meeting make every effort for the speedy and effective implementation of reforms of the Armed Forces.

Azerbaijani forces violated Armenia’s border in several sections in the provinces of Syunik and Gegharkunik on May 12 and 13 and are still refusing to withdraw their troops from the area. Five Armenian servicemen have been killed in Azerbaijan’s shooting, a dozen others have been wounded, while six troops were captured on May 27, although four of them have already returned home.