Abkhaz Leader Survives Assassination Attempt

Unknown shooters fired at the car of the de facto Abkhazian President Alexander Ankvab Feb. 22, killing at least one of his bodyguards, Interfax reported, citing a source in the Abkhaz police.

According to preliminary data, Ankvab was not hurt in the attack, which took place in the village of Gudauta in Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia.

“According to preliminary information, after a remotely detonated device exploded as Ankvab’s car passed, his car was fired at from a grenade launcher and machine gun,” a source told Interfax. 

This was not the first time the Abkhaz leader was under fire. In September 2010, at his sister-in-law’s house, where Abkvab lives, was fired at from a grenade launcher. Ankvab was slightly injured at the time. 

In June 2007, a roadside bomb exploded near his car. In July 2007, Ankvab’s car was fired at from a grenade launcher in the village of Lykhny in the Gudauta district, causing him shrapnel injuries to the back. In March and April 2005, Ankvab’s vehicle was also shot at.