Georgian Officer dies in Afghanistan, the corporal loses both legs

During the military operations conducted in Afghanistan, 28-year-old Georgian officer, the head of the 31st battalion unit of hundred soldiers, the chief lieutenant Mukhran Shukvani has died.

The corresponding announcement was made at a special briefing by deputy director of the United Headquarter of Georgian Armed Forces, Arsen Tsukhishviil. According to his information, as a result of explosion, the corporal of the same battalion, 25-year-old Alexandre Gitolendia lost both legs. He went through the urgent surgery, but the health state of injured is still severe.

The Ministry of Defense expresses its condolence to the family of the victim. According to the deputy Minister Nodar Kharshiladze, the Ministry will do its best to take the body of officer as soon as possible. The family will receive a social assistance as per the law, he added.

According to Kharshiladze’s statement, the Ministry of Defense will also do its best to maximally rehabilitate the health state of the wounded corporal. “This is a hard military operation, where the Georgian militaries are thoroughly fulfilling their obligations,” – added Nodar Kharshiladze.

The deputy lieutenant Mukhran Shukvani also participated in the Iraqi Peace Mission. During his military service, Shukvani received the third degree medal for the thorough service in the armed forces.

As for the wounded corporal Alexandre Gitolendia, he’s been serving in the Georgian armed forces since 2007.

It’s unknown when the body of Mukhran Shukvani will be taken to Georgia.
US Ambassador John Bass expressed sympathy for the Georgian soldier killed in Afghanistan.

“The entire U.S. Embassy community extends our deepest sympathies to the family of First Lieutenant Mukhran Shukvani and to the people of Georgia for the loss they have suffered in Afghanistan. First Lieutenant Shukvani served bravely in leading his men and helping the Afghan people build a future free of fear and oppression. We mourn his loss, even as we salute the ongoing dedication and sacrifice of his fellow members of the 31st Battalion,” – reads the statement of US Embassy.

Also, it adds, that the Georgian Armed Forces and the people of Georgia are making vital contributions to realizing our shared objectives under NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. “The United States deeply appreciates and respects Georgia's contributions, and the sacrifices that come with them.  We will honor First Lt. Shukvani's memory in continuing our work to build a peaceful, stable Afghanistan.”