Artur Aleksanyan Armenian military leader Date of Birth: 06.05.1957 Country: Armenia

1. Armenian Military Figure
2. Early Life and Army Service
3. Involvement in the Karabakh Movement
4. Founding "Amaras" and Role in the Movement
5. Conflict and Military Operations
6. Service in the Intelligence Service
7. Post-Conflict Career
8. Civilian Endeavors

Armenian Military Figure

Artur Alexanyan was a prominent Armenian military figure born in Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast, Azerbaijan SSR, into a large family.

Early Life and Army Service

Growing up in Степанакерт, Alexanyan attended the local Russian-language school #8. At the age of 13, he became interested in fencing and music. He taught himself to play the Armenian drum and later the snare drum in his school's brass band, participating in various school and city events. In 1977, he was conscripted into the Soviet Army, serving as a tank driver in tank troops until 1979. He excelled as a mechanic-driver, rising to the rank of senior sergeant and being appointed platoon captain.

Involvement in the Karabakh Movement

Following his military service, Alexanyan returned to Степанакert and worked as artistic director of the cultural center of a shoe factory. In 1982, he joined the Karabakh Orchestra of the State Estrada, where he remained until the outbreak of the Karabakh Movement. In 1987, he actively participated in various political groups and organizations, including one led by Arkady Karapetyan that aimed to unify Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia.

Founding "Amaras" and Role in the Movement

Alexanyan left his position in the orchestra to fully dedicate himself to the Karabakh Movement. In March 1988, he co-founded the Armenian charity "Amaras," which provided moral, financial, and medical assistance to those in need. As the vice-president and executive director of "Amaras," Alexanyan played a crucial role in implementing the decisions of the underground political headquarters, "Miatsum." He organized self-defense units, provided funding, procured weaponry, and set up secret supply bases throughout Nagorno-Karabakh.

Conflict and Military Operations

In the early stages of the conflict, Alexanyan supported various Armenian armed groups that fought against Azerbaijani forces. He was instrumental in creating the headquarters of the "Mush" united armed forces, which later transformed into the Union of Volunteers "Yerkrapah." After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Alexanyan joined the State Defense Committee of Armenia, creating a system of logistical support for self-defense units in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Alexanyan played a key role in the defense of Stepanakert and the capture of the city of Shushi. He organized defensive fortifications, supply lines, and a field hospital. As the conflict escalated, he helped coordinate the mobilization of volunteers and organized a defense line in the Aterk Gorge. Alexanyan's reconnaissance missions and strategic planning contributed to the liberation of several key areas, including Kelbajar, Jabrayil, and Fizuli.

Service in the Intelligence Service

In October 1993, Alexanyan was appointed Deputy Commander of Artillery of Nagorno-Karabakh. He participated in operations to retake Martakert, Kelbajar, and other areas. In 1994, his unit played a crucial role in defending against an Azerbaijani offensive near Oghmar. Alexanyan was injured twice during these operations and received medical treatment in Armenia, France, and the United States.

Post-Conflict Career

After the ceasefire with Azerbaijan, Alexanyan returned to Armenia and was appointed head of the Special Combat Units (SBU) of the National Security Service of Armenia in 1994. He led the formation of the "Red Berets" Special Forces Unit, which carried out numerous combat missions to secure borders, infrastructure, and transportation routes. The SBU disbanded in 2007, and Alexanyan transitioned to civilian life.

Civilian Endeavors

Alexanyan founded the construction company "Amarashin" in 2006, which specialized in road construction. He implemented a new technology for building rural roads based on German-Austrian techniques. Alexanyan's company contributed significantly to infrastructure development in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.