Georgia’s official leaders have sent their condolences to the United States Government and its people after five Americans were killed while serving their country.
The five American soldiers were taking part in an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan when they were killed in action.
Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili sent his condolences to the families of the victims and the people of America.
"I express my deep sorrow over the deaths of five American servicemen participating in the ISAF-mission in Afghanistan. Their contribution to the strengthening of global security will never be forgotten.”
Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili emphasized that Georgia was aware of the effects of war and the pain resulting from instances when a soldier is killed in action.
"We are aware of the pain caused by the loss of each soldier being killed in the struggle for peace in the world far from their homeland. On behalf of the Georgian Government and personally, I offer my condolences to the families of the victims, the American people and the country,” said the PM’s letter of condolences.
Initial reports claimed the five Americans were killed in friendly fire. Yesterday an Afghan official said the service members were killed in southern Afghanistan when a coalition jet, called in to help ward off a Taliban attack, mistakenly bombed them.
According to NATO, the troops were conducting a security operation. Such operations have been stepped up ahead of Afghanistan's presidential runoff election, which will take place Saturday.
Since the Afghan war began in October 2001, 2,323 Americans have died there. Once the US confirms these latest deaths, the number will rise to 2,328, said American broadcaster CNN.
About 100 000 Georgian troops also took part in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.