Queues at Sarphi checkpoint – system shutdown or terrorist act?

Different versions circulate about closure of Sarphi customs checkpoint of Georgian-Turkish state border. The Turkish media reports about activation of an explosive device at Sarphi checkpoint. Turkish newspapers write about detention of one person behind that. Technical disorder or averted terrorist act – no official confirmation is received yet. 

Sarphi customs checkpoint of the Georgian-Turkish state border has remained closed for already the second day. Citizens are queuing unable to cross the border. Only vehicles are allowed through the checkpoint and with impediment. 

Turkey’s Embassy to Georgia does not confirm the information that a handmade bomb was found at the Sarpi Checkpoint (Georgia-Turkey state border). As it was earlier reported by a Turkish news outlet, the terrorist act was prevented at the Turkish side of the border. The Embassy says it cannot confirm this information as official Ankara has not released any statement so far. 

Turkey’s General Consulate to Batumi also denied this information. Adjara Government head Zurab Pataradze says he arrived in the Turkish part due to the technical error but did not receive any information about the bomb.