he U.S. Embassy in Georgia has issued a security alert for American citizens regarding potential bomb threats at three shopping centers in Tbilisi: East Point Shopping Mall, Galleria Tbilisi, and Tbilisi Shopping Area. The embassy advises U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution, avoid these locations, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
The Georgian State Security Service (SSSG) reported that it had previously received false bomb threats targeting various locations, including schools, universities, and shopping centers in Batumi and Tbilisi. According to the SSSG, these threats originated from abroad and were linked to international online games involving minors from various countries, including Georgia. Specifically, false bomb threats concerning Galleria Tbilisi were received on December 30, 2023, and January 17, 2024.
In response to these incidents, the SSSG is conducting an investigation and collaborating with foreign partners to identify the sources of the false messages. Citizens are advised to remain calm, stay informed through official channels, and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities.