Satellite Images Show New Azerbaijani Military Position Inside Armenia, Tatoyan Says

Azerbaijani forces have carried out new military incursions inside Armenia’s sovereign territory, establishing additional positions in Gegharkunik Province, according to satellite images and evidence presented Wednesday by Arman Tatoyan, the head of the “Wings of Unity” political initiative and Armenia’s former human rights defender. Tatoyan said the images show that the new Azerbaijani combat-duty position in the Vardenis area did not exist as of July 31, 2025, and that the Armenian authorities have not informed the public about the developments.

According to Tatoyan, the evidence shows that Azerbaijani forces have established a new military position in the Vardenis area of Gegharkunik Province. He said the satellite images demonstrate that this position was not present at the end of July 2025.

“New incursions have taken place in the Republic of Armenia, and the Armenian authorities have hidden this from our public,” said Arman Tatoyan during the briefing while presenting the images.

He explained that satellite data indicates the construction and deployment of the military position took place in August.

“According to satellite images, this position did not exist until July 31, 2025. The satellite images show that the deployment of this position took place by August 19. We see that this is an Azerbaijani combat-duty position,” he said.

Tatoyan also claimed that Azerbaijani forces have been building infrastructure inside the territory of Armenia to support their military presence. According to the materials he presented, new communication routes have been constructed to improve movement and supply between positions.

“According to Tatoyan, Azerbaijani forces have built special communication roads inside Armenian territory, improving their own logistics and communications.”

He added that fortification work has also been carried out close to Armenian settlements and roads.

“Just meters away from Armenia’s border, Azerbaijan has built special shelters and carried out major fortification works, which can be used for military vehicles and tanks. These shelters are located directly next to the road, and it is obvious that they could also be used for offensive purposes. From these positions, they maintain direct control over our villages. Again, these did not exist until July 31, 2025,” he noted.

The presentation also included satellite images from other regions of Armenia. Tatoyan said similar activity has been observed in Vayots Dzor Province, especially near the resort town of Jermuk.

According to him, Azerbaijani forces have carried out engineering and construction work in that area as well.

“Tatoyan added that Azerbaijani advances, fortification, and engineering works are not limited to Gegharkunik Province, but are also taking place in Vayots Dzor, particularly in the Jermuk area.”

He stated that satellite images show newly built positions designed for mortar units.

“This is Jermuk. Satellite images show that these are new improvements made before August 2025, expanding control and advancing into Armenia’s territory. They have built positions designed for mortar platoons. These were constructed deliberately, right next to Jermuk and inside the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia,” he said.

Tatoyan argued that the developments resemble patterns previously observed in Nagorno-Karabakh following the 2020 war. He said Azerbaijani forces gradually strengthened their military infrastructure there after the conflict.

“Tatoyan stated that it is clear the ‘Artsakh scenario’ is being repeated here.”

“In Artsakh, the Azerbaijani armed forces and authorities did the same thing after the 2020 44-day war, especially starting in 2021. Strategically, they improved their communications — building roads and upgrading positions. The installations that serve as shelters, according to our experts, could be used for penetrating into Armenia’s territory in case of operations.”

He also said that such positions affect the daily lives of nearby residents and create security concerns for communities close to the border.

“These positions also seriously undermine the safety of our population, preventing people from living normal lives. In Artsakh they did the same thing — constantly terrorizing people and preparing for operations.”

Tatoyan criticized the Armenian government for not informing the public about the alleged developments.

“I want to emphasize that the Armenian authorities have concealed this fact from our public, trying to cover up their failures,” Tatoyan said.

During the press conference, he also questioned whether the construction of new military infrastructure is consistent with statements about pursuing peace in the region.

“Tatoyan also raised a question: if the Azerbaijani authorities truly intend to establish peace, is this how they prepare for peace?”

“Are they quickly preparing in order to strategically undermine Armenia’s security system?”

He further claimed that Azerbaijan is gradually expanding control over Armenian territory.

“The Azerbaijani authorities continue to take control of our sovereign territories slice by slice like salami, invading again and carving them up. This is the price that this government has declared for peace.”

Tatoyan also said that negotiations between Armenian and Azerbaijani officials are taking place while these military developments continue on the ground.

“They go to meetings and discussions with the Azerbaijani authorities — and what happens? Secret incursions and improvements of military positions occur behind our people’s backs. Then the price of this is that they say ‘Azerbaijan is not shooting,’” he emphasized.

The Armenian government has not yet publicly responded to the claims presented during the press conference. The satellite images and evidence shown by Tatoyan have not been independently verified at the time of publication.

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