31 Soldiers Died in 2013 As a Result of 30 Incidents in Armenia’s Armed Forces

In 2013, there were 30 incidents in the Republic of Armenia (RA) Armed Forces that led to the death of 31 servicemen. In only 14 cases did the RA Ministry of Defense and the Nagorno-Karabakh authorities served as the primary source of the news. An official announcement was distributed in 24 of the 31 deaths, according to the 2013 annual report issued by the Helsinki Citizens' Assembly – Vanadzor Office.

The NGO notes in the report that compared with previous years, the number of deaths decreased in 2013; however, the number of reported incidents that resulted in death has not diminished. 

Of the 31 deaths recorded in 2013, 5 were as a result of ceasefire violations; 8, as a result of suicide or incitement to suicide; 7 were accidents; 4 were due to health problems and proper medical care not being provided; 4 were murders, of which 1 was premeditated, 1 was the result of violating the rules of combat service, and 2 were as a result of violating the rule of statutory relationships. The remaining 3 deaths occurred as a result of a breach of weapon handling rules. 

For the full report, click on this link (in Armenian only).