Georgia: Police operations ongoing in Zugdidi following armed bank robbery October 21

Event

Police operations are ongoing in the western city of Zugdidi on Wednesday, October 21, following an attempted armed robbery at a bank. Several people, including customers and at least one member of staff, are reported to have been taken hostage at the Bank of Georgia branch on Rustaveli Street after a gunman entered the building at around 14:20 (local time). The gunman is believed to have fired several rounds inside the bank but there have currently been no reports of any casualties. Police are responding to the incident and have cordoned off roads around the bank.

Localized disruptions are likely to continue in Zugdidi in the near term amid the ongoing police operations.  

Advice

Those in Zugdidi are advised to avoid Rustaveli Street and the surrounding area in the immediate term due to the likelihood of disruptions and should heed any directives issued by local authorities.