Armenia begins return of Azerbaijani citizen who crossed border near pastures

Armenia's National Security Service confirmed on 22 October that an Azerbaijani citizen had entered Armenian territory illegally. The man, identified as Yashar Ali Gasimov, born in 1968, reportedly lost his way on 19 October.

Key facts

• 19 October: the Azerbaijani citizen reportedly lost his way and crossed into Armenia
• 22 October: Armenia's National Security Service confirmed the incident
• The man is named as Yashar Ali Gasimov, born in 1968, described in reports as a shepherd
• Armenia says steps are being taken to return him; no date has been given
• Azerbaijan's State Border Service says no such incident occurred in territory under its control

What happened?

Armenian media had been reporting since 19 October that an Azerbaijani shepherd had crossed the border illegally and been taken to military police. Some reports claimed he was carrying a white flag. Armenia's National Security Service confirmed the incident on 22 October and said Gasimov had reportedly lost his way on 19 October.

What have the authorities said?

Armenia's National Security Service said "appropriate steps are being taken to return the Azerbaijani citizen". On 21 October, Azerbaijan's State Border Service replied to a query from Azerbaijani media that no such incidents had occurred in the territory under its control.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, asked about the case, said shepherds can get lost and accidentally cross the border in either direction, and stressed the importance of resolving such situations constructively.

What happened in the earlier border incident?

The case follows another recent incident on the Armenia–Azerbaijan border. On 1 October, Azerbaijani serviceman Nasimi Musayev was detained in Armenia. According to Armenian investigators, he illegally crossed the border, entered a house in the village of Shaki in Syunik province, opened fire and wounded a woman.

Criminal proceedings have been launched against Musayev. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said he would stand trial in Armenia, that Azerbaijan had not requested his transfer, and that Yerevan and Baku had agreed to handle cases involving servicemen separately from other matters.

What this means for travellers

The source describes two incidents involving people crossing the Armenia–Azerbaijan border without authorisation, and says the cases have caused concern in both countries. It does not announce any change to entry rules, visa requirements or border crossing arrangements for travellers, and it does not state which crossing points, if any, are operating.

No date has been announced for the return of the Azerbaijani citizen. Armenia's National Security Service said steps were under way, and the case of the detained serviceman remains before Armenian courts.