According to data from the Crisis Management Department of the Ministry of Defense (CDSI), the coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on the security and defense field in Azerbaijan during the 11 months of 2023. A total of 258 people have been affected, with 212 deaths attributed to military conditions and the remaining 46 cases being non-military related.

The CDSI reveals that out of the 258 soldiers infected with the virus, 212 were affected by military conditions. Tragically, 208 soldiers lost their lives in fires on the Armenian side, while 4 were killed by anti-personnel mines. Non-military casualties amount to 46, including 8 deaths from road accidents and other accidental incidents, 1 death from falling from cliffs, and 4 deaths from explosions of unexploded ordnances. Additionally, 20 soldiers died from self-inflicted injuries.

The casualties are further categorized as follows: 126 from the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army, 9 from state security services, 3 from the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, 17 from the Internal Troops, 1 from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, 1 from the Ministry of Justice, 1 from the Ministry of Economic Development and Transport, and 1 from the Military Police Directorate of Security. The majority of deaths occurred in the Lachin region of Karabakh in September.

During the two-day clashes in Karabakh, which took place in September, 192 Azerbaijani soldiers and 1 civilian were killed, while 512 people were injured. These numbers were reported by the authorities of Azerbaijan on September 27.

Throughout the 11 months, a total of 536 soldiers were injured and hospitalized, as reported in the official statement.

Source: News from Armenia – NEWS.am