One terrorism suspect was detained, and three members of crime group were killed during the special operation which continued during about 19 hours at Monk Gabriel Salosi Street in Tbilisi. The details of the special operation became known during a special briefing at State Security Service of Georgia.
Nino Giorgobiani, Head of Press Service of State Security Service said that the special operation was prepared in advance in detention of compliances suspected of having links with a terrorist organization. The suspects are not Georgian citizens and allegedly have North Caucasus origin. Investigation continues in determination of their identities.
The territory at the street has remained abridged since late last night. Shooting and explosions were heard. Crews of Patrol Police, Special Squad and officers of Counter-Terrorism Department of State Security Service remained at site. Additional heavy vehicles as well as brigades of First Medical Aid were deployed this afternoon.
Four people were injured during the special operation. An officer of Special Squad, who was wounded during a special operation died at hospital. The officer was wounded in his head area and underwent through a surgery at Ingorokva Clinic. The patient was connected to artificial breathing apparatus and his health condition was critical. Doctors failed to save his life.
The suspects set fire to the apartment, where they were fortified. The flames have been extinguished for the time being. The flat belonged to Tinatin Zhabraelova, an IDP journalist from Chechnya. The person, who gave the apartment for rent was questioned at Duisi Police Department and then brought to Tbilisi. Aslanbeg Zhabraelov, 26, is a local of Duisi village, Pankisi Gorge and works at Socar gas station in Akmeta town, Kakheti region. Zhabraelov told the police that he had given the apartment for rent at request of his wife’s brother and had no information about the lodgers.
Locals of Pankisi Gorge expressed concern that Pankisi Gorge has been mentioned in negative context of terrorism.
Kakha Kaladze, Tbilisi Mayor applied to locals, whose living places were damaged during the special operation at Monk Gabriel Salosi Street to timely apply to Isani Regional Gamgeoba (District Administration) to allocate temporary living spaces to them. The victims can call at 237 50 29, 599 53 70 40. The hotline number is 272 22 22.
Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Vakhtang Gomelauri, Head of State Security Service and Deputy Healthcare Minister visited patients, who were injured during a special operation at Monk Gabriel Salosi Hospital in Tbilisi at Isani Referral Hospital.
PM expressed condolence to the family of Special Squad officer who was wounded during the special operation and later died at hospital. He also thanked law enforcers for work.
