The United States Department of State on Wednesday, December 29 urged Azerbaijan to release of all remaining Armenian prisoners of war, hours after five Armenian captives were repatriated with Hungary's mediation.

"We welcome Azerbaijan's December 29 return of five Armenian servicemembers who were detained on November 16, 2021," the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs said in a tweet.

"We urge the full and expeditious release of all remaining detainees, exchange of remains, and accounting for missing persons. We stress the importance of humane treatment of detainees in accordance with international obligations."

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. On November 16, the Azerbaijani side launched a fresh offensive in the province of Syunik, during which Armenian soldiers were killed and taken captive.