As of 5:00 pm, Sunday, July 17, the armed group still holds several policemen hostage, Armenia's National Statistical Service said.

Negotiating with the gunmen, the state authorities urge them to refrain from steps that would threaten the lives of people, release the hostages, lay down arms and surrender to the authorities.

The special forces remain in a state of operational readiness at the scene, the NSS said, although no command for an attack or any other activity has been given to them.

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