On August 4, at approximately 1:10 p.m., units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire on an excavator engaged in construction work on inter-position roads, located 4,500 meters (2.7 miles) northeast of Verishen village in the Goris Municipality of Armenia’s Syunik Province, reports Armenia’s Defense Ministry (MoD).
No casualties were reported as a result of the shooting. The Armenian MoD has urged Azerbaijan to investigate the shelling and provide public explanations.
August 4 also marked the 6,000th patrol of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA). EUMA is a civilian mission launched on February 20, 2023, by a decision of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, beginning its operational activities the same day. Established at Armenia’s request following Azerbaijani incursions, EUMA is a civilian mission tasked with observing and reporting on the situation on the ground, contributing to human security in conflict-affected areas, and supporting confidence building between Armenia and Azerbaijan where possible.
“This achievement reflects our continued and steadfast commitment to peace and stability in the region. We remain firmly dedicated to working alongside local communities in Armenia,” EUMA stated on X.
In January 2025, the EU extended EUMA’s mandate for another two years. The mission’s headquarters is located in Yeghegnadzor, with six Forward Operating Bases in Yeghegnadzor, Jermuk, Martuni, Kapan, Goris, and Ijevan, as well as a liaison office in Yerevan. EUMA’s work aims to contribute to human security in conflict-affected areas and support confidence building between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
