Clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region have continued on Sunday, despite Azerbaijan's announcement of a unilateral ceasefire. At least 30 soldiers have been killed in the freshest violence since a ceasefire deal has been signed in 1994.

The situation in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh mountainous region remained tense on Sunday with continued attacks between Azerbaijan and Armenian troops. In a local Azerbaijani village, residents were seen leaving with their cattle.

In some areas, buildings have been destroyed. A funeral for an Azeri soldier killed in action on Saturday took place in a nearby village of Muakhakh.

At least 30 soldiers on both sides have been killed in the violence that started late Saturday. At least two civilians have also been killed and 10 others injured.

Both countries have accused each other of shelling using heavy weaponry. Azerbaijan took a move and declared a unilateral ceasefire, but threatened to strike back if attacked.

"We are fighting on our own territory. If an Armenian soldier does not want to die, then let them get off Azerbaijani territory. I have said that many times and I want to repeat it now,"

"We won't abandon our principal position. But at the same time, we observe the ceasefire and after that we will try to solve the conflict peacefully. At the same time we will strengthen our army," said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Prior to this, Armenia accused Azerbaijan of engaging what it called as the 'biggest wide-scale fighting" since 1994, when a truce was signed between the two countries.

That was in the wake of the Nagorno-Karabakh in 1988, when Azerbaijan and Armenian secessionists began a war over the region located in a strategic area for Baku and other oil and gas producers in the Caucasus.

There have been talks between the leaders of Baku and Yerevan in 2009, but progress has been stalled.