The defence ministry in Georgia has suspended the western regional commander of its armed forces, General Zaur Uchadze, for ignoring warnings about an army mutiny.

The abortive rebellion took place at the western base of Senaki on Monday.

The defence minister David Tevzadze said the western command had received information in September about a possible revolt, but had failed to act.

Poor co-ordination between units had also meant it took much longer than it should to crush the mutiny when it occurred.

Two other senior officers have also been removed from their posts General Davit Sokhadze and Colonel Aleko Gulkanyan.