The separatist leader of Nagorno-Karabakh resigned after widespread food and fuel shortages as a result of Azerbaijan's "ongoing blockade of the region" for almost a year, while the Armenian army shelled Azerbaijani positions with mortars.

Earlier, Arik Harutyunyan, who is of Armenian descent, said he would resign "from the post of President of the Republic to the people of the Republic of Artsakh and to the National Council of Artsakh."

The Republic of Artsakh refers to Nagorno-Karabakh, which is ruled by pro-Armenian authorities, but Azerbaijan insists it is part of its territory.

In 2020, Azerbaijan regained territory in and around Karabakh in a war that made the region dependent on Russian peacekeepers deployed under a Moscow-brokered ceasefire deal.

Severe deficiency

Harutyunyan said his presidency was an obstacle to negotiations with Azerbaijan and that "the difficulties in the country have greatly undermined confidence in the authorities."

Harutyunyan has faced demands to resign after the defeat of his fighters in 2020, but these demands have increased since December 2020 when Azerbaijan began a blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the only road linking Karabakh and Armenia.

Azerbaijan denies imposing a blockade on the Lachin corridor and says alternative routes are available to resupply Karabakh through Azerbaijani territory.

During the blockade, the province is experiencing severe shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies.


Ward attack

In a related matter, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense reported that border posts belonging to it were shelled by Armenian army units with 60 and 82 mm mortar shells.

The ministry said in a statement that the Azerbaijani army has also taken the necessary measures in the region.

The ministry said in another statement that the mobile control station for the marches of the Armenian army was destroyed.

On Friday, Azerbaijan accused the Armenian military of escalating the situation in the region after its forces fired on Azerbaijani border military posts.

It said the Armenian army targeted positions of its forces in the Kelbajar region, wounding three of its soldiers.