Tbilisi, Georgia, Dec. 26
By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend:
The 31st Light Infantry Battalion of the Georgian armed forces conducted a military operation in Afghanistan, codenamed "Hunter III".
The purpose of the operation was to reduce the rebel forces' influence in the area of the battalion's operations, Georgian Defense Ministry said.
According to various sources, extremists have influence over residents of the South Charabaya village. Several attacks have been conducted in recent months on coalition forces patrols from this village's vicinity, with the use of improvised explosive devices.
The command of the 31st Battalion decided to conduct a military operation. The main objective of the operation was to divide and limit the enemy's actions in order to prevent attacks on coalition forces.
The task was performed by Charlie and Alpha companies of the 31st Battalion, with the support of the U.S. marines.
The main objective of the Georgian soldiers was to create a base patrol around the village, its isolation and cordoning, as well as holding conversations with the local population. Georgian servicemen also provided the population with first aid and gave them warm clothes.
"Hunter III" operation was conducted in four stages and lasted 30 hours. It included 250 Georgian soldiers and 52 U.S. marines. Georgian soldiers were supported by a group of sappers, a radio interception battalion, a fighting dogs unit and soldiers of the Afghan National Army.
Over 50 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles and military helicopters were used during the operation. "Hunter III" operation was evaluated as successful.
Translated by E.A.