Interior Troops Fired at in Pankisi

(Tbilisi. March 1, 2003. Civil Georgia) – A car of the Georgian Interior Ministry’s troops came under fire in Pankisi on March 1, while patrolling the gorge.

“Shooting did not injure anyone,” Head of the Akhmeta district Nukri Alavidze told Civil Georgia. “Investigation is on regarding the case,” he added.

Local official could not say who attacked the police patrol. Alavidze also could not comment on possible reasons of the attack.

A kick boxing event scheduled to be held at the Culture Hall of the village of Duisi in Pankisi was canceled as a result of the incident.

Georgian National Security Council decided on February 28 to launch a new phase of anti-crime operation in Pankisi to maintain stability in the gorge and prevent return of Chechen militants in Pankisi.