On 16 November 2021, significant border clashes occurred between Armenian and Azerbaijani military forces. Armenia’s Defense Ministry claims that Azerbaijani forces initiated the clashes by firing on Armenian positions along the border, while Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry is claiming that Armenian forces initiated the clashes by firing on the southwestern districts of Kelbajar and Lachin. Armenian officials report that at least four Armenian soldiers were injured and 12 others were captured; they also claim to have destroyed a dozen Azerbaijani armored vehicles in retaliation. Azerbaijani officials report that two of their soldiers were injured in the clashes. Amid the clashes, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling for Russia to help defend Armenia’s territorial sovereignty.