Tbilisi bomb threat: State security service criticizes U.S. embassy over false alarm

Georgia’s State Security Service has dismissed a U.S. Embassy warning about a bomb threat at Tbilisi malls as false, criticizing the embassy for issuing the alert without coordination and urging more responsible diplomatic communication.

On May 7, the U.S. Embassy in Georgia issued a public statement warning of an alleged bomb threat at three major shopping centers in Tbilisi- Tbilisi Mall, Gallery Tbilisi, and East Point. The embassy advised U.S. citizens and its employees to avoid these locations until further notice, citing information about a possible explosion risk.

In response, the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) quickly dismissed the threat as a false report. The agency stated that its relevant units had immediately investigated the information and confirmed that no explosives were found at any of the mentioned locations.

"The service’s top priority is citizens' safety, and within its authority, the service is taking all necessary and urgent measures",  the State Security Service said in an official statement. It also criticized the U.S. Embassy for spreading the warning without prior coordination, calling on diplomatic corps representatives to respect the activities of Georgia’s security services, exercise greater responsibility, and refrain from issuing unverified statements.

No official evacuation orders were issued by Georgian authorities. However, security measures were increased, and precautionary checks were conducted at the sites.

The incident has sparked discussions about diplomatic communication protocols and the balance between timely public warnings and coordination with local security agencies.

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