Armenia to resolve lengthy hostage siege

YEREVAN: Armenia’s security services issued an ultimatum to gunmen holding up a police station on Saturday, in a bid to resolve a weeks-long hostage crisis after dozens were hurt in overnight clashes.

“We are giving members of the armed group until 17:00 (1300 GMT) to lay down their arms and surrender,” the Armenian national security services said in a statement.

“Otherwise special forces law enforcement have the right to open fire,” it said. “After the events of July 29, any opportunities to resolve the situation with the terrorists peacefully have been exhausted.”

Dozens were injured and 26 arrested in the early hours of Saturday after authorities broke up a rally near the police station, where the armed pro-opposition group has been holed up for almost two weeks with several hostages.

More than 70 people were taken to various hospitals around the capital to be treated for injuries including burns and broken limbs.

“Out of 73 injured people, 26 are still in hospital, including six policemen,” health ministry spokeswoman Anahit Haytayan wrote on Facebook.

Police used truncheons, stun grenades and smoke bombs to break up the demo in support of the gunmen, who are still holding two medics.

Journalists were among those hurt and a house caught on fire in the neighbourhood, a residential area.