The first militia units in Armenia have been established in the country’s Tavush Province.

In August, the country’s Ministry of Defense introduced a bill in parliament to create a voluntary militia that would be open to men and women. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has since publicly backed the idea.

Tavush Governor Hayk Chobanyan reports that the unit consists of three battalions that are now undergoing combat training.

“Several such large units will be set up to strengthen the border area and provide comprehensive support to the armed forces. This lays the foundation for the creation of a national militia,” Chobanyan says.

The militia units are to be organized under local governments, and members will not be issued weapons except in case of military operations or the threat of operations.  

When the bill was introduced, Deputy Minister of Defense Gabriel Balayan  said that the new militia would be an attempt to organize volunteer groups who want to go to the front whenever fighting breaks out.