Media: Azerbaijani security forces detained the ex-commander of the Karabakh army

The former commander of the army of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Lieutenant General Levon Mnatsakanyan, was detained by the Azerbaijani side. This was announced by the head of the public organization “Civic Consciousness” Narek Samsonyan on his Facebook page (the social network belongs to the Meta company, recognized as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation).

Also about the detention of the lieutenant general writes TASS citing a source close to the military leader. It is noted that Mnatsakanyan tried to leave Karabakh for the Armenian city of Goris. He was detained at the Lachin checkpoint.

Levon Mnatsakanyan is 58 years old. He served as minister of defense of the unrecognized republic and commander of its army from 2015 to 2018. Before that, he was Deputy Chief of the Main Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces.

On September 27, while trying to travel from Karabakh to Armenia, Azerbaijani authorities detained ex-Minister of State of the unrecognized republic, former head of the Russian investment company Troika Dialogue, Ruben Vardanyan. The next day he presented charge of financing terrorism. Vardanyan was taken into custody for four months.

September 28 surrender to Baku accepted decision by former foreign minister of the unrecognized republic, presidential adviser David Babayan.

President of Nagorno-Karabakh Samvel Shahramanyan September 28 signed decree on the termination of the existence of the republic from January 1, 2024 and the dissolution of all government structures. The population is ordered to “familiarize themselves with the conditions of reintegration” and make a decision to move from Karabakh. It was clarified that military personnel who have laid down their arms will also be able to leave.

On September 19, Azerbaijan announced the start of “anti-terrorist measures” necessary for the “restoration of the constitutional order” in Nagorno-Karabakh. Baku demanded the dissolution of the regional government and the withdrawal of Armenian troops. Yerevan denied the presence of its troops in the region. The next day, Karabakh authorities announced the conclusion of agreements on a complete ceasefire.