Georgian soldier found shot dead in Afghanistan
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 29 December 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Georgian soldier found shot dead in Afghanistan, 29 December 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/50ed344e28.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
December 29, 2012
Georgia has some 1,650 troops in Afghanistan, most of them based in the southern Helmand Province, one of the most restive areas of the country.
Officials in Afghanistan say a Georgian soldier found dead in the country's south was killed by multiple gunshot wounds and left in an empty house.
Sergeant Giorgi Kikadze's body was found on December 29 in the Musa Qala district of Afghanistan's restive Helmand Province, some 10 days after he disappeared.
Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania announced Kikadze's death on December 29, but offered no details about the circumstances.
He said the soldier's body would be brought home soon.
Georgia has some 1,570 troops serving in Afghanistan, making it the largest non-NATO contributor to the International Security Assistance Force.
Nineteen Georgian soldiers have been killed and more than 30 wounded since Georgian troops were first deployed in Afghanistan in November 2009.
President Mikheil Saakashvili is due to visit Georgian troops serving in Helmand for New Year celebrations on December 31.
Based on reporting by Civil.ge, AFP, Interfax, and ITAR-TASS
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
