A 17-year-old minor, who was detained by occupation forces near the village of Kirbali, has been released, the State Security Service of Georgia confirmed to InterPressNews.

“He is already in the territory, controlled by the central government of Georgia,” the Security Service said.

Reportedly, Alika Shiukashvilki, together with his fellow-villagers, was collecting firewood in the forest when gunmen appeared. The boy’s companions managed to escape, while he was detained by so-called “border guards”.