Alwaght- Local media reported in the early hours of Tuesday heavy clashes between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces on border areas.
The defense ministries of the two neighbors confirmed that a severe confrontation is underway and some border points have been at the center of fire exchange.
Azerbaijan's army units have been shelling Armenia and drones also struck parts of the country, CNN correspondent reported.
The attacks targeted Armenian territory and took place outside the disputed Karabakh region, he continued.
The attacks are a major escalation by Baku since months.
However, Azerbaijan's defense ministry said that the attacks were in response to "provocations" by Yerevan.
"The clashes came after Armenian forces carried out massive attacks on Dashkasan, Kalbjar and Lachin areas near the border. Armenian forces targeted the positions and bunkers and bases of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the border areas with mortar attacks, which led to the loss of crews and damage to military infrastructure," said the defense ministry's statement.
The clashes have continued for hours. Border areas' residents said that they heard ongoing shelling and exchange of fire.
Armenia rejected Azerbaijan claims, suggesting that Azerbaijan attacked its territory with artillery and drones without any provocations.
The two countries have been at war since 2020. Months-long war in 2020 ended with Azerbaijan retaking its territory from Armenia in Karabakh. Since then, they have had an armed peace.
