Confusion cleared on 2 Russian military trucks in Tbilisi

Georgian officials accept trucks with Russian transit numbers appeared in Georgia yesterday but are adamant the trucks were not military related.

Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs said the vehicles were of personal use, did not have any military function and "[did] not pose a threat to Georgia or its neighbouring countries”.

Photos of khaki trucks with Russian transit numbers in Georgia were shared in social media yesterday. Photo from Facebook

The Ministry’s press speaker Nino Giorgobiani said: "Photos of trucks with Russian transit numbers have been shared in social media. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has complete information about them.”

"The vehicles were purchased by a private individual in the Russian Federation. They hold transit numbers where it is forbidden to take them to a third country. The person involved has been identified and the trucks are in Tbilisi for secondary use and being sold as parts,” Giorgobiani said.

Georgia’s Minister of Defence Mindia Janelidze commented on the issue today and said the trucks entered Georgia for secondary use; to be disbanded and sold into parts.

He said it was "nonsense” that information had spread on social media stating the vehicles were being used for military purposes.

"This is complete nonsense. I declare with full responsibility that any kind of transportation of any military cargo and any dual-use goods on the territory of Georgia is being carried out under our supervision and only after approval,” he said.

According to Georgian officials, the trucks were purchased by a private individual in Russia and brought to Georgia for secondary use. Photo from Facebook

"Although the cars are in the colour of khaki, they do not have military numbers or any other signs designating their military use” Janelidze noted.

Meanwhile the cars appeared on a Georgian website that sells second-hand cars. The owner said the vehicles were worth $9,000 USD (about 20,000 GEL) each.