Two Armenian Boys Missing Near Border in Syunik Return Back To Their Village

On June 6, two young boys from the Armenian border village of Tegh, located in Syunik province, safely returned home after a frightening ordeal. The boys had gone missing near the border and were found on the Azerbaijani side early in the morning, raising serious concerns about their safety and the security situation along this sensitive border area.

The Mayor of Tegh community, Davit Ghulunts, confirmed to The Armenian Report that the boys are now back in the village. 

"The boys are in the village. The important thing is that they have returned home," Ghulunts told The Armenian Report. This news brings relief to the local community and their families who feared for their safety.

According to the National Security Service of Armenia, the two minors — 17-year-old Karen Jhangiryan and Andrey Gyagunts — got lost at approximately 1:20 a.m. near the area next to the village of Aravus. This area is close to the border, where tensions remain high between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The boys’ accidental crossing into Azerbaijani-controlled territory shows the ongoing risks faced by residents living near the disputed and heavily militarized border zones. 

While it is a relief that the boys returned safely, this incident raises important questions about the Armenian government’s responsibility to ensure the safety and security of its citizens living in border communities. The families and local officials expect stronger protection measures to prevent such dangerous situations in the future.

The return of Karen and Andrey is a hopeful sign, but it must serve as a reminder to Armenia’s leaders to stay vigilant and protect their people—especially the most vulnerable—living on these fragile frontlines. The peaceful and secure future of Syunik and all Armenian border regions depends on firm government action and international attention to ongoing border threats.

—

Support independent reporting from the region by subscribing to The Armenian Report. Our team is funded solely by readers like you.