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http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world-news/abkhazia-launches-operation-to-force-georgian-troops-out_10081986.html

Abkhazia launches operation to force Georgian troops out August 9th, 2008 - 9:17 pm ICT by IANS

Moscow, Aug 9 (Xinhua) The armed forces of Georgia’s breakaway Abkhazia region have begun an operation to force Georgian troops out of the upper part of the Kodori gorge, the Itar-Tass news agency quoted foreign minister of the self-proclaimed republic Sergei Shamba as saying Saturday. Abkhazia’s artillery and air force carried out strikes against Georgian troops in the gorge, the report said.

In a separate report by Interfax news agency, Abkhaz leader Sergei Bagapsh confirmed its “aviation is currently conducting an operation in the upper part of the Kodori gorge of Abkhazia controlled by Georgia.” He added that the operation would continue.

The regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia broke away from Georgia in the 1990s following the collapse of the former Soviet Union. But their self-proclaimed independence has not been internationally recognized. Xinhua

It is apparent from a good review of this military incident that the Georgian President thought that he could retake this province that Georgia has not occupied in reality for many years by entering into a fake ceasefire then sending in troops, quickly, hopefully to close the tunnel thru the Caucasus mountains connecting S. Ossetia to Russia. If they had succeeded it might have worked but unfortunately the Russians were prepared for this move and now the Georgians will pay big time. I believe the Georgian government believed mistakenly that the West would respond to their defense when the Russians reacted. Now it appears that they will lose not only any further claim to S. Ossetia but also Abkhazia. They may even lose their own sovereignty. It was a very ill advised action.

One wonders if the US State Dept had given them some kind of encouragement in this regard. I hope not because the Georgians are going to suffer for this action.