Pankisi Gorge

The Pankisi Gorge (Georgian: แƒžแƒแƒœแƒ™แƒ˜แƒกแƒ˜แƒก แƒฎแƒ”แƒแƒ‘แƒ, Pankisis Kheoba) or Pankisi (แƒžแƒแƒœแƒ™แƒ˜แƒกแƒ˜) is a valley region in Georgia, in the northeastern corner of the country, bordering the Chechnyan republic of the Russian Federation. Administratively, it is included in the Akhmeta district of the Kakheti region. An ethnic group called Kists of Chechen roots form the majority (75%) in the area.

It had allegedly often been used as a base for transit, training and shipments of arms and financing by Chechen rebels and Islamic militants, including foreign fighters from Afghanistan and Arab countries, many of whom followed Ruslan Gelayev.[1] Most of these accusations were around 2002, but others allege that it is more peaceful now,[2] although there are still many Chechen refugees living there.[3]

Russia has attempted to attack the Chechen militants in the gorge. Georgia has also accused Russia of carrying out bombing raids in the gorge region in which at least one Georgian civilian was believed to have perished. (no ref.)

Landmine Monitor warns of antipersonnel mines being laid in the Gorge. A number of casualties have resulted in landmines still being encountered in the Gorge.[4][5]

References

  1. ^ Kleveman, Lutz, 'The New Great Game', Grove Press New York, 2003 page 35; sourced from New York Times August 15, 2002.
  2. ^ BBC News, Russia's reach unnerves Chechens, Wednesday, 16 January 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7189024.stm Retrieved September 29, 2010.
  3. ^ UNHCR, 'Chechen refugees in Pankisi Gorge resume normal life after Georgia scare', 1 October 2008. http://www.unhcr.org/48e389e12.html Retrieved September 29, 2010.
  4. ^ "LM Report 2002". 2005-02-25. http://www.icbl.org/lm/2002/georgia.html. Retrieved 2007-01-15. 
  5. ^ "LM Report 2006". 2006-09-12. http://www.icbl.org/lm/2006/georgia.html. Retrieved 2007-01-15. 

External links