Georgian soldiers return home from Afghanistan
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About 150 Georgian soldiers who defended international peace and security in war-torn Afghanistan returned home to Georgia early today.
The soldiers of the 22nd Battalion of the II Infantry Brigade were welcomed by Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Defence Anna Dolidze and other top military officials.
Days like this are extremely happy for us as all our soldiers safely returned home without any casualties. We thank them for their big effort serving the country and welcome them home with joy and happiness,” Dolidze said.
She noted the arrival of the soldiers offered extra happiness to the soldiers’ families as they could celebrate the upcoming Easter holiday together.
Georgia's Deputy Minister of Defence Anna Dolidze greets returning soldiers. Photo by the Ministry of Defence.
Servicemen of the 22nd Battalion of the II Infantry Brigade served in Afghanistan within the NATO-led Resolute Support mission, under the United States contingent in the province of Parwan.
The main task of the unit was to provide security to the Air Base. The battalion has been replaced by the 52nd Battalion of the V Infantry Brigade.
The first wave of soldiers of the 22nd battalion returned to Georgia on April 25, comprising of about 150 soldiers. Complete rotation of the 22nd Battalion will end in several weeks.
Georgia is the largest non-NATO contributor to the Resolute Support mission with 885 troops.
Emotions were high in Tbilisi today as the group of soldiers from the 22nd Battalion of the II Infantry Brigade of the Georgian Armed Forces (GAF) touched down Georgian soil before being greeted by Defence Ministry officials.
One hundred Georgians soldiers have returned home after serving six months in Afghanistan in a NATO-led peacekeeping mission.
Georgian troops will continue to serve in Afghanistan in a NATO-led peacekeeping mission after 2017.
Georgian soldiers are officially engaged in the Resolute Support (RS) mission in Afghanistan.
Today is a historic date for Georgia. The country is today celebrating the 25th anniversary since the creation of the Georgian Armed Forces (GAF).
Georgia is today celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Georgian Army. The official date of the anniversary was April 30 but as it was Easter, events planned to commemorate the significant date were postponed until today.
Employees of Georgia’s Defence Ministry will soon enjoy a special salary card – Army Card – which will give them discounts on many products and services.
“We’re champions in fighting for world peace”
Georgia’s newly appointed Minister of Defence Levan Izoria has travelled to Afghanistan for his first official international trip to meet local officials and visit Georgian soldiers who are on a peacekeeping and security mission serving alongside NATO and EU troops.
Georgia’s Minister of Defence said three Georgian battalions will undergo special trainings with support of foreign allies within a new program that encourages full readiness of Georgia’s Armed Forces (GAF) during conflicts and defensive competency.