Armenia: Protesters block sections of M1 Highway Dec. 16

Event

Activists are currently staging roadblock protests on parts of the M1 Highway around Gyumri Dec. 16. The purpose of the action is to demand the return of individuals reportedly captured by Azerbaijani forces during post-ceasefire clashes following the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh. Specific sections of the M1 highway reportedly blocked are south of Gyumri heading towards Yerevan around the village of Lanjik, and north of Gyumri heading towards the Armenia-Georgia border around the village of Keti.

Additional security services will likely deploy to monitor the actions and break up the roadblocks. The roadblocks themselves are likely to cause significant transport disruptions along the affected sections of the M1 Highway; alternative routes in the surrounding area could experience congestion as drivers seek alternative routes. It is unclear how long the protests will last; repeat actions are possible in the coming days.

Advice

If possible, avoid the protests as a routine security precaution and to mitigate disruptions. Check local traffic conditions for disruptions and allow extra time for travel if using the M1 Highway Dec. 16; and plan alternative routes if necessary.