Deadly clashes between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces over the Nagorny Karabakh region continued for a third day on Monday despite international pressure to halt the worst fighting in decades over the disputed territory.

Azerbaijan said three of its troops were killed overnight when Armenian forces shelled its positions using mortars and grenade launchers, taking the overall death toll in the latest surge of violence to at least 36.

"In the event of continued Armenian provocations, we will launch a full-scale operation along the entire front line, using all kinds of weapons," Azerbaijan's defense ministry spokesman Vagif Dargahly told journalists.