Georgia: Counterterrorism operation outside Tbilisi Nov. 22

Event

At least one security officer and one suspected militant were killed after unidentified suspects opened fire on a special forces operation in the suburbs of Tbilisi on Wednesday, November 22. The incident began when counterterror units with the Georgian security forces stormed a multi-story apartment building in a residential area in the suburbs of the city, resulting in heavy gunfire and explosions. At least four more security officers were also wounded in the incident. The area was quickly cordoned off by police, and the operation had been declared over by 17:00 (local time).

In a press briefing, security officials reported that they had detained one suspect, and confirmed that the suspected militants are not Georgian nationals. According to unconfirmed reports, the suspects may have ties to the Islamic State (IS).

Context

Terrorist attacks in Georgia are rare. However, in recent years Georgian security forces have conducted periodic counterterrorism operations in the Pankisi Gorge region, near the country’s border with the Russian region of Chechnya. Additionally, the country’s proximity to the Russia regions of Dagestan and Chechnya may make the country a target for IS-affiliated militants returning to the Russian Northern Caucasus from Syria and Iraq.

Advice

Individuals present in and around the city of Tbilisi are advised to monitor the situation and to report any suspicious objects or behavior.