The Army had stood aside when Azeri activists rioted against Armenians in the capital, but went into action when an Azeri crowd threatened to burn down Party headquarters. Tanks and troops broke through blockades set up by anti-Communist militants and stormed into the city, firing dumdum bullets and spraying apartment buildings without provocation. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of civilians are estimated to have died in the assault. Although the KGB had spread rumours that Azeri militants would be armed with heavy machine guns, only hunting rifles, knives and pistols were found among the dead.' Arkady had left Polina and hurried home in time to catch Irina's first broadcast. Drinks with one woman, then rushing to the voice of another. What a sophisticated life, he thought. 'Official justification for the military operation was the mob violence against Armenians by militants who showed documents identifying themselves as leaders of the Azeri Popular Front. Since the Front does not issue such documents, a KGB provocation is once again suspected.' While Arkady listened, he changed into a dry shirt and jacket. Who was right?
