Yerevan /Mediamax/. Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry issued a statement in connection with shooting down a Russian Mi-24 helicopter on the territory of Armenia.

The statement particularly reads:

“According to the information received by the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan from the Defense Ministry of Russia, on November 9, at 18:30, a Russian Mi-24 helicopter was shot down on the Nakhichevan section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border.

In this regard, the following should be emphasized:

- the helicopter flight took place in close proximity to the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border, while active military clashes continue in the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone.

- the flight took place in the dark, at low altitude, outside the air defense radar detection zone.

- Russian helicopters have not previously been seen in the specified area.

In the context of these factors and in the light of the tense situation in the region and increased combat readiness in connection with possible provocations of the Armenian side, the duty combat crew decided to open fire.

The Azerbaijani side apologizes to the Russian side in connection with this tragic incident, which is accidental and was not directed against the Russian side.

The Azerbaijani side expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased crew members and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

The Azerbaijani side declares its readiness to pay appropriate compensation.”