Three Georgian Troops Killed in Afghanistan - R.I.P. - Jr.Sgt.Davitadze, Cpl.Kvitsinadze, Cpl.Shanava

Three Georgian servicemen were killed after a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden truck into their base in the Helmand province, accompanied with an attack by a group of insurgents, Defense Minister, Irakli Alasania, said late on Monday evening.

Several Georgian soldiers were wounded.

Alasania, however, declined “at this stage” to specify number of those wounded in this attack, which he described as “the largest” one on the Georgian troops since deployment in Afghanistan in late 2009.

This recent incident brings total death toll of the Georgian soldiers in the ISAF mission to 22.

Corporal Alexander Kvitsinadze; junior sergeant Zviad Davitadze and corporal Vladimer Shanava from the 42nd battalion of the fourth infantry brigade died in the attack.

Defense Minister Alasania, who visited Georgian troops in Afghanistan earlier this month, said that “the combined attack”, involving a suicide truck bomber and “a group of insurgents”, started at 4:17pm on May 13.

“The Georgian soldiers repelled the attack and destroyed all the terrorists involved in the attack,” Alasania said. “I want to note Georgian troops' courage and heroism; this very courage and soldiers’ professionalism helped to evade even bigger tragedy.”

Georgia has almost doubled its contribution to the ISAF mission to over 1,560 last autumn.

Georgia joined ISAF mission in November 2009 with deployment of about 170 soldiers in Kabul. In April, 2010 Georgia increased its contribution by sending a battalion to the Helmand province and in October, 2012 Georgia added one more battalion.

from Civil.Ge
Civil Georgia, Tbilisi / 13 May.'13 / 21:54
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from MOD.GOV.GE:

Ministry of Defence of Georgia once again underlines the heroism and devotion of the Georgian military servicemen. Their commitment and their professionalism evaded Georgian troops from greater tragedy.
Killed Georgian soldiers served in the 42nd light infantry battalion of the IV Infantry Brigade.

Junior Sergeant Zviad Davitadze (22.11.1979) had been serving in the Georgian Armed Forces since 2005. He was awarded with the III rank Medal for "Meritorious Service".

Corporal Alexandre Kvitsinadze (17.12.1986) joined the Georgian Armed Forces in 2007. He was granted the Medal "Kakutsa Cholokashvili"

Corporal Vladimer Shanava (01.04.1989) had been serving in the Georgian Army since 2007. He was awarded with the "Medal for Participation in Peacekeeping Operations."

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R.I.P. - Corporal Mindia Abashidze (Georgia)

Ministry of Defence of Georgia extends its condolences over the death of Corporal Mindia Abashidze born in 27 October of 1989 and expresses grief to his family members. Corporal Abashidze was killed while fulfilling a combat task under the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.

Corporal Mindia Abashidze has been serving in army since August 4 2008. He was Commander of Fire Group of 32 Light Infantry Battalion of III Infantry Brigade of Land Forces. Corporal has been participating in the NATO mission since 2010-2011.

Ministry of Defence condoles once again to the dead soldier`s family. The funeral expenses will be covered by Defence Ministry.

from MINISTRY OF DEFENCE OF GEORGIA

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Condolences on the Death of Cpl. Abashidze U.S. Ambassador Richard Norland (October 11)

 On behalf of the U.S. Embassy, we wish to express our sympathy and solidarity with the people of Georgia upon the death of Cpl. Mindia Abashidze who was killed in action in Afghanistan where he was deployed with the 32nd Infantry Battalion. The entire U.S. Embassy community extends its deepest sympathies to the friends, army comrades and family of Cpl. Abashidze.  The Georgian military is making an important contribution to the International Security Assistance Force that is helping the people of Afghanistan to establish peace and security in a country that has been gripped by instability for decades. The American people join with the Georgian people in mourning the loss of this brave Georgian soldier. 

 from the Embassy of the United States Georgia 

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R.I.P. - Sergeant Valerian Khujadze

Sgt Valerian Khujadze, who was serving with the NATO-led ISAF operation in Helmand Province, has been killed by an (IED) improvised explosive device.

Sgt Khujadze of the 31st Battalion was patrolling when the IED exploded and he died from his injuries, Georgian TV station Rustavi2 reported.

He had been serving in the Georgian Armed Forces since 2004 and took part in the peacekeeping mission in Iraq.

In 2011 he was awarded the Medal for Participation in Peacekeeping Operations.

The Ministry of Defence have expressed condolences to Sgt Khujadze's family, who will receive a package of social assistance in accordance with Georgian legislation.

Sgt Khujadze was the fifth Georgian soldier to die in Helmand Province this year and the 16th Georgian soldier to be killed in Afghanistan.

mod.gov.ge
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Georgia is a staunch ally of the United States with ambitions to join NATO and currently has 800 troops serving in Afghanistan, according to the alliance's website -- a major contribution from a small country of 4.4 million people.

Georgia's parliament voted in December to send another battalion to Afghanistan, which is expected to almost double the country's contingent there.

Tbilisi's NATO aspirations have infuriated neighbour Russia, which fought a brief war with Georgia in 2008.

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said earlier this month that Georgia had become a “model partner” for the alliance but there was still a “long road” towards membership.

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