Georgian troops leave Afghanistan

Georgian soldiers are leaving Afghanistan in portions every week, Vzglyad reports.

Georgia was reportedly planning to increase presence in Afghanistan by 750 soldiers to 1675 people within the framework of NATO. A Georgian regiment serves in Kabul under French command, a battalion in Helmand under US command. 16 Georgian soldiers have died so far.

Some media reported a few months ago that some soldiers were complaining about being used as “cannon fodder”. Over 100 Georgian soldiers cancelled contracts.

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili visited troops in Afghanistan in April. The decision to assist the US in Afghanistan made in January 2012 is part of the cooperation program.

The Georgian Defense Ministry decided to fine soldiers refusing to serve in Afghanistan with about $17,000, while a compensation for families of dead soldiers total only $6,000.