Georgian Parliament vice-speaker Manana Kobakhidze expressed belief that the failed attack on a Russia-Armenia gas pipeline ahead of the scheduled October parliamentary elections in the Republic would be beneficial to the ex-President of Georgia, Governor of Odessa Oblast of Ukraine, Mikheil Saakashvili and his party – United National Movement.

“I guess Saakashvili and his party would benefit from the destabilization before the elections. I can’t directly accuse them of preparing a terrorist attack on a gas pipeline, but they might have come up with such an evil plan,” said Kobakhidze.

Meanwhile, Georgia’s former Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli said that attempts to connect the failed attack with Ukraine are inappropriate.

Georgia’s State Security Service said in a statement on Monday, August 22 that seven individuals had been detained two days earlier.

Five of the suspects, all of whom are Georgian citizens, are facing charges of illegal purchase and storage of firearms, ammunition, and explosives “with the goal of carrying out a terrorist attack,” the statement said.