TBILISI, DFWatch — Corporal Mindia Abashidze was the eighteenth Georgian soldier to die while serving in the NATO-led ISAF operation in Afghanistan.

Georgia’s defense ministry on Thursday reported that the corporal born October 27, 1989,had died while carrying out a military task in Afghanistan.

Abashidze had served in the military since August 4, 2008, and been a commander of the fire group at 32. infantry battalion of third infantry brigade. In 2011 and 2012 he participated in the mission in Afghanistan.

The ministry expresses its condolence to the family of the soldier.

Mindia Abashidze is the 18. Georgian soldier who dies in Afghanistan. Georgia is one of the largest per capita contributor to ISAF operations among non-NATO member countries.

A 50 strong first advanced infantry platoon was sent from Georgia to the ISAF operation in 2004 in order to provide safety for the presidential elections in Afghanistan. In 2007, Georgian doctors were sent for six months within a Lithuanian group.

In April 2010, 749 Georgian military personnel were sent to fulfill a full spectrum operation supported by US military. Until now, Georgian battalions have been replaced by a rotation system. Last time rotation happened was in April 2012, when the 31. battalion of the third infantry brigade was replaced by the 23. battalion of the second infantry brigade, which will serve for seven months in Helmand province.