DHAKA: An armed group has stormed a police station in Armenia's capital, Yerevan, taking hostages and calling for the release of political prisoners.

The group released a video demanding opposition leader Jirair Sefilian and a number of others be freed.

It called on Armenians to take to the streets in support.

Sefilian has strongly criticized President Serge Sarkisian and his handling of the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

There are reports that several people have been wounded in the Yerevan attack, BBC reports on Sunday (July 17).

The CivilNet newspaper identified the group as the Daredevils of Sassoun and said that its members had released a video in which they said that ‘Dear friends, citizens, Armenian nation, it has begun, we are doing this for you. Go out to the streets!’ 

CivilNet said seven policemen were being held hostage but this has not been independently confirmed. The group was quoted as saying it would retaliate if attacked and had no intention of surrendering.
'Neutralised'.

Armenia's National Security Service issued a statement accusing the group's supporters of ‘spreading misinformation on mass media and social networks about an armed rebellion and about buildings being taken over the information is not correct.’

It said that it was in negotiation with the group at the police station for its surrender.

BDST: 1703 HRS, July 17, 2016
SAS/AKA