Georgian from Pankisi Gorge Killed in Syria

A Georgian man from Pankisi gorge was killed while fighting for the “Islamic State” group in Syria, Georgian media sources reported on June 5.

Pankisi-based community radio station WAY identified the man as 25-year-old Mukhmad Baghakashvili, from the village of Duisi in Pankisi gorge in eastern region of Kakheti.

Radio Way reported that Baghakashvili had left for Syria five years ago.

At least 25 Georgian citizens, natives of Pankisi gorge, have died fighting in Syria since 2012.

According to the State Security Service, as of March 2016, there were “up to 50 Georgian citizens” fighting for extremist groups in Syria and Iraq.