2009 Georgian mutiny
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2009 Georgian troop mutiny is an ongoing armed mutiny by a Georgian tank battallion based Mukhrovani, Georgia, 30 kilometres (19 mi) from the capital Tbilisi. It is not yet known how many soldiers are taking part.[1] Tanks and APCs have reportedly been sent to quell the rebellion.[1][2]
Background
Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili has been under pressure domestically since losing the 2008 South Ossetia war against neighboring Russia last August and because of ongoing mass demonstrations against his rule.[3]
The mutiny
The mutiny erupted on the morning of 5 May, 2009, after the troops began to disobey orders.[1] Defense Minister David Sikharulidze said the plotters wanted to undermine NATO exercises beginning this week in Georgia. He told Rustavi 2 television that the rebellion was also "an attempt at a military coup."[3] In a televised address, Saakashvili said the mutineers had been given a deadline to surrender. He did not specify when the deadline would expire, but said that he had ordered the law enforcement agencies "to act appropriately."[4]
References
- ^ a b c Georgian troops 'launch mutiny' BBC News 2009-05-05
- ^ MoD Says Military Unit Mutinies Civil.ge 2009-05-05
- ^ a b Georgia says soldiers rebel, accuses Russia Reuters 2009-05-05
- ^ Saakashvili: Mutineers Given Deadline to Surrender Civil.ge 2009-05-05
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