BAKU/YEREVAN - An Azerbaijani serviceman who had been missing from his unit in the Lachin district since Sept. 26 has been detained in Armenia, authorities in both countries said, as separate investigations examine his border crossing and an alleged shooting in Syunik Province.
Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General’s Office identified the serviceman as Nasimi Rasim oglu Musayev. It said he was absent from his place of service on Sept. 26 and that the Defense Ministry and Emergency Situations Ministry launched a search, according to Report.az and Vesti Baku.
Azerbaijan’s Military Prosecutor’s Office said investigators found reasonable grounds to suspect that Musayev had left his unit without authorization. A criminal case was opened, and Azerbaijani agencies are contacting Armenian authorities to determine how he entered Armenia and the circumstances of his detention.
Armenia Reports Shooting in Syunik
Armenia’s National Security Service gave a separate account of events. It said Azerbaijan’s State Security Service notified it on Sept. 29 that a serviceman had left his post under unclear circumstances and might have crossed the border.
The Armenian agency said its emergency center received a report at 2:15 p.m. on Oct. 1 that a civilian had been shot in the leg in the village of Shaki in Syunik Province. Armenian authorities alleged that the Azerbaijani serviceman was responsible and said he was taken into custody. Armenia’s Investigative Committee opened criminal proceedings, according to Armenpress.
An Armenian Health Ministry spokesperson later said the wounded civilian received medical care and was not in life-threatening condition. Azerbaijan’s initial public statement confirmed Musayev’s detention but did not address the shooting allegation.
Both sides said contacts are continuing while investigators establish the full sequence of events. No court has ruled on the allegations.