Armenian civilian shooting by Azerbaijani soldier

On October 1, 2026, an Azerbaijani serviceman, Nasimi Musayev, was detained in Armenia’s Syunik Province after a violent confrontation in the village of Shaki. Following a warning from Azerbaijan’s State Security Service regarding a missing soldier, Musayev reportedly entered a private residence, held two children at gunpoint, and opened fire on 39-year-old Ani Avetisyan. The shooting caused Avetisyan to lose three fingers and sustain a thigh wound, while her 15-year-old son suffered a fractured wrist. Musayev was placed in two-month pre-trial detention facing charges including illegal border crossing and inflicting serious bodily harm.

By October 4, reports indicated that Avetisyan’s condition had become critical. Medical professionals noted she requires three major surgeries to address bone fragmentation and torn ligaments, with efforts focused on preventing infection and attempting to preserve her leg. Members of parliament have since met with the victim and her children in Shaki.

Avetisyan’s family has expressed frustration with local official accounts that characterized her injuries as “minor abrasions,” maintaining that her condition remains critical as doctors struggle to save her leg.