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Russia conducts 'extensive bombing raids throughout Georgia'
Saturday, 9 August 2008
Russian First Channel claims these are burning Georgian armored vehicles are seen in Tskhinvali in the South Ossetian breakaway region of Georgia on Friday, Aug. 8, 2008.
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Russia and Georgia were effectively at war last night with fierce fighting near the capital of the breakaway region of South Ossetia and hundreds of civilians reported dead.
A column of 150 Russian tanks and other military vehicles entered South Ossetia yesterday after Georgian troops launched a major offensive to retake control of the area from Ossetian rebels late on Thursday night.
The Georgian government said 30 people were killed in bombing raids by Russian jets, which it said had attacked the capital, Tbilisi, the Black Sea port of Poti and a military base at Senaki in addition to targets within South Ossetia, still formally part of Georgia.
The Russian intervention, which Moscow said was to protect its peacekeeping forces stationed there, came as a minister in the separatist administration of South Ossetia claimed more than 1,400 people had died in shelling of the Ossetian capital, Tskhinvali, by Georgian troops.
The Russian military said 12 of its troops had been killed and 150 wounded in the fighting inside South Ossetia. "Now our peacekeepers are waging a fierce battle with regular forces from the Georgian army in the southern region of [Ossetian capital] Tskhinvali," said a spokesman for the Russian force.
Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgia's President, claimed his troops had regained full control of the rebel capital and most of South Ossetia, while insisting that the Russians were to blame for the fighting and appealing for international help. "What Russia is doing in Georgia is open, unhidden aggression and a challenge to the whole world," he said. "If the whole world does not stop Russia today, then Russian tanks will be able to reach any other European capital."
Mr Saakashvili, who has invoked the ire of Moscow for his desire to bring Georgia into Nato, said Georgia was being attacked by Russia because "we want to be free and we want to be a multi-ethnic democracy". He recalled the country's 2,000 soldiers fighting with coalition forces in Iraq, saying they were needed at home, and was preparing to bring in martial law.
The UN Security Council met for a second time in two days last night in a bid to head-off a full-scale war.
The secretary of Georgia's Security Council, Kakha Lomaia, said: "Russia has bombed the [Black Sea] port of Poti and the military base at Senaki. We think Russia has started to bomb civil and economic infrastructure."
Eka Zguladze, Georgia's Deputy Interior Minister, also said Russian jets had carried out "extensive bombing raids throughout Georgia". She said the targets had mostly been military but that bombs had hit a public market in the town of Gori, the nearest Georgian city to the conflict zone. She said Georgian forces had shot down four Russian jets, but that there were "still far too many" operating bombing raids.
The claims of 1,400 South Ossetian civilian dead were described as "disinformation and propaganda", by the Georgian foreign ministry. But witnesses in Tskhinvali painted a grim picture of events. "There are bodies of women, old people and children lying in the streets," said Vakhtang Dzhigkayev, an adviser to the South Ossetian president on economic issues, by telephone. "Make no mistake about it, this is already war. A very real, painful war."
Injured by an exploding mine, he had escaped with his family across the Caucasus mountains to Vladikavkaz in Russia, but insisted he had seen the carnage. "I have lived there throughout all the previous conflicts, including the war in the early 1990s, and they were always fought by soldiers against other soldiers," he said. "Now the difference is that it's the civilian population that's taking the brunt of the aggression."
Lyudmila Ostayeva, 50, who fled with her family to Dzhava, a village near the border with Russia, said: "I saw bodies on the streets ... in cars. It's impossible to count them. There is hardly a single building undamaged."
Russia's military action was meant to quash what appears to have been a plan by the Georgians to retake South Ossetia, which has been a problem for Mr Saakashvili since he took office in the Western-backed Rose Revolution in 2003. He has repeatedly pledged to bring the region back under Tbilisi's control, but with Russia's military involvement, the gamble appears to have failed.
South Ossetia is a tiny region nestled on the slopes of the Caucasus mountains, the majority of which is controlled by a separatist regime that broke away from Georgia when the Soviet Union collapsed. The stated goal of the regime is independence, but it relies heavily on Russia for support. Russia has handed out passports in the region, which now enables it to enter the conflict on the pretext of "defending Russian citizens", and the Georgians claim the South Ossetian leadership is controlled by Russia's security services, the FSB.
The Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, speaking in Beijing where he was attending the opening of the Olympic Games, spoke of "retaliation" against Georgia. President Dmitry Medvedev struck a similar tone at a meeting of the Russian Security Council in the Kremlin.
The US has largely supported Mr Saakashvili and has already given vast financial aid for Georgia to rebuild its military. Most of the soldiers fighting in South Ossetia have undergone training by US military personnel.
The US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, urged Russia to withdraw combat troops from Georgia and stop air strikes.
Analysts said that after the initial burst, Russia and Georgia may pull back
from all-out conflict. But for those caught up in the middle, that is little
comfort.
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Oil and nationalism – a troubled history
*South Ossetia lies on the southern slopes of the Caucasus, a mountain range that is home to some 50 different ethnic groups, many speaking mutually incomprehensible languages and with long histories of violent enmity. The Caucasus were brought under Russian control in a series of wars in the 19th century, fought against not only the often fiercely-independent local peoples but the Persians and the Ottomans, who coveted the high ground between the Black and Caspian seas.
*The people of the Caucasus, many of whom adhered to ancient traditions and were resentful of outsiders' attempts to control them, were perhaps the most troublesome subjects of Tsarist Russia and the Soviet Union that succeeded it. Stalin – whose father was reputed to be Ossetian – in 1922 divided control over Ossetia between the Georgian and Russian Soviet republics, a move which angered Ossetians and prompted occasional protests over subsequent decades. When the South Ossetians attempted in 1989 to reunite with ethnic kin in Russian-controlled North Ossetia, the Georgian nationalist Zviad Gamsakhurdia marched supporters into the region to confront the secessionists.
*In 1989-91, as the Kremlin's hold over its empire crumbled, the Caucasus witnessed a surge in nationalism. Regions like Chechnya declared independence from Moscow but in South Ossetia, local leaders proclaimed their region part of the Russian Federation rather than the emergent sovereign state of Georgia. Sporadic clashes between Georgians and South Ossetians – who had mostly lived together in peace for decades, often inter-marrying – continued until 1991, when Tbilisi sent in troops to crush the separatist movement. More than 2,000 people are believed to have died in the fighting.
*After a coup toppled Mr Gamsakhurdia as president, his successor, Eduard Shevardnadze, agreed a deal with Boris Yeltsin for Russian peacekeepers to monitor a ceasefire. When Mikheil Saakashvili, below, ousted Mr Shevardnadze in the 2003 Rose Revolution, he vowed to bring South Ossetia and another breakaway region, Abkhazia, back under Tbilisi's control. He accuses Russia of sending cash and weapons to separatists in both regions, to ensure continued Kremlin influence in the oil-rich Caucasus – the BTC pipeline carrying oil from Azerbaijan to Turkey is routed through Georgia – and to undermine Georgia's bid to join Nato. Russia has given passports to the vast majority of South Ossetians and Abkhazians, and pledges to defend its citizens in those provinces. Many South Ossetians say they expect other Caucasian peoples to support their fight against Georgia, and reports are emerging of volunteers heading for the region from Abkhazia and North Ossetia.
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Comments
73 Comments
hahaha. This world is just screwed. Its simple. I am Russian, but i live in the US. If the US bombed my town, of course i would want the Russian gov to protect me. I believe everyone just needs to mind their own bussiness. US is the worst. US looks like the pc keeper but they get involved the most. They have military stations all over the world. for what? self defence? they need to defend from canada and mexico, and they not gonna fight so US is fine. US has weapons of mass destruction, y did we attack Afgan. again? o yea, caz they had the weapons. US is the bully " We are allowed to have weapons but your not!" main point: Deal with ur own problems. Yea i agree Georgia would get destroyed by Russia, but if they are stupid enough to enter war, let them. US needs to stop geting involved with everyone. Let the whole world deal with their own stuff. Geting involved just causes more trouble
Posted by TrickDaddy | 13.03.09, 17:24 GMT
Look at Russia's history for war, they obviously would not have started such a war, Georgia started something they can't finish and have the nerve to now pretend like they're innocent and being bullied by Russia. A joke! The west supports Georgia? Look at the west's history for war, they are not to be trusted! Don't start something you can't finish!!
Posted by Shameful | 17.10.08, 17:21 GMT
I'm Russian. Yesterday I watched the 20 minutes interview Putin gave CNN on Russian TV. Today I watched this very interview on American CNN Chanel. It took 2 minutes. And has been translated absolutely differently. Does it mean anything? You, Americans, must have your own opinion concerning this situation, but not listen to your Government and illusory mass media.
Posted by Anton Makarov | 29.08.08, 08:21 GMT
this is out of our hands no protest or rally is going to stop this war now. its been planned. whats the world focused on?? the olimpics you cant deny that the attacks (from whatever side started this) just happend to start whilst the worlds leaders where on there way to china. this go's above just "saving russian peace keepers" its a fully planned out war and this is only the start
Posted by ross sinclair | 18.08.08, 12:17 GMT
I am a proud American but i think our government is wrong for denouncing Russia's involvement in South Ossetia. Russia could completely destroy Georgia if all-out-war were to occur and to not have done so already is a testament to them and their leadership. Bush accusing Putin and Russia of "bullying and intimidating Georgia". What a hypocrite! Does anyone remember the 2 day ultimatum he gave Saddam? What about the costly war we're involved in just to give us a foothold into the middle east? The one we had no reason to get involved in but president Bush insisted we do it. Talk about a bully. At least Russia has a reason to go to war. I say Georgia should just let Russia take what rightfully theirs before they decide to make Georgia an artillery test site.
Posted by Benjamin Kacy Goin | 16.08.08, 02:14 GMT
I want to answer the American who weeps for the Georgians. Open your eyes you fool. Georgia attacked first with weapons supplied by the americans who co-incedentally just happen to be standing by as the main pece keeping force again, well im not fooled even if you are. Its all a smoke screen to keep attention away from the main picture which is Iran and their oil. So read up on your facts and you will find that America is up to its usual tricks in getting other people to start their wars for nothing more than power and greed and fools like you keep voting them in. Why can you Americans not see what the rest of the world see and that is that your government is the most corrupt and greedy government in the world and that ever has been.
Posted by Tazman | 14.08.08, 18:43 GMT
This is pathetic. These are clearly signs of how the world is coming to an end . killing innocents!
Posted by God Save as All | 14.08.08, 07:42 GMT
Wise up Chris, either you are just an angry guy who needs to lash out, or you are dangerously out of touch. It is plain to see that Russia is just gettting back into its power grabbing mode, now that it has the oil wealth to support it. Russia has been taking advantage of Georgia's weak spots for quite a while, with the forward thinking that they can use it against them, if they move toward Nato. And they did. Like a big bully they gave Georgia a kicking to the point where the US would still allow it, and no more. Georgia wont be the last on Russia's kicking list, just as the Czech's were not the last after the Natzi's went to "liberate" its so called ethnic Germans. Its all the same game, just different tyrants and people like you are helping them do it because you shout out the truth with your confused madness.
Posted by Stuart | 13.08.08, 05:42 GMT
Guys,
I don't understand what this all about, but one thing is clear, because of the bombs and war so called EARTH will bring a change soon. Just wait & watch if the same continue everyone will fight to survive due to natural calamity.
Live in peace and else earth will go in piece. decide!
Posted by Bond | 12.08.08, 22:45 GMT
eastern rubbbish! Georgia attacked Ossetia first, then Russia came to help ossetia and defended Ossetia, russian soldiers that were in Georgia that time stood up for Ossetia and called for help, finally, Russia attacked Georgia because they refused to stop bombing the Ossetia. Then just after russian attack Georgian President made a speech to USA from the name of Europe (for the first time in plain ENGLISH language) that Russia attacked Georgia, damn, and now half of the world is against Russia anh half - against Georgia because there are 2 versions, who attacked first! Russia did nothing goddamn it!!! And I`m neutral, not from russia, not from georia if you wanted to ask.
Posted by Chris | 12.08.08, 21:26 GMT
Democracy is the mother of all.the situation in Georgia right now calls for a Serious and Quick tactical response QTR..the world should not wait for US to stop up for wht is wrong.at this momonet we should not asking who is AGRESSOR or not , we should find a way to stop killings in Georgia and Ossetia.let the world find a better to settle differences because non of these countries can create a single livingthing.so why destroying wht u can't create back.let then find a sports or something else to use instead of fighting/killing themselves.US should be very carefull on this situation now.it might be a setup !!!
Posted by Prince (Engr) Odinaka Amobi. | 12.08.08, 15:30 GMT
Is democracy stronger than Russian bombs? My heart goes out to our fellow brothers and sisters in Georgia right now. They fought side by side with us, they trust us, and we are letting them down. If it were up to me we would be in there right now fighting with them. How is the world sitting back letting this happen?
Is America Georgia’s only hope?
Is America the only country that can stand up for freedom? The only ones to lead a fight against tyrany and terrorism?
Where is the rest of the world?
Georgia, I am so sorry, I weep for you. I really do. May you fight on, may you show the world the true colors of your enemies, may your struggles open the eyes of those who sleep and uncover the evil that seeks to destroy us all. Actions speek louder than words. May your actions call us to arms to fight for freedom and democracy and for our God. God be with you Georgia.
Posted by An American | 12.08.08, 03:50 GMT
Oh ye of little insight. The distractions of war in the name of anything is almost always a slight-of-hand from the real issue. Oil, money and control. Oil means money, money means control. In the big picture we have the former giant who lost control for lack of money. That was when oil was at a much lower price and the giant USSR could not maintain control over its empire or its captive people. Now, is a different story. Money is pouring into the registries of anyone who can produce it or have a stake in its transport. In the bigger scheme of things, the giant wants its power and its control back over the regions that broke away from it in its time of weakness. The real hand of the Putin-Russian plan is coming into view. Support the insurgents in South Ossetia, wait for Georgian reaction, then pounce on Georgia and remove the entire government or destroy it. Next, Azerbaijan, and the oil, (Baku-T'bilisi-Ceyhan pipeline) is theirs. Georgia is a stepping stone. Wake up!
Posted by terrence | 11.08.08, 19:19 GMT
where is the money and aid being offered to the south ossetian people from the western world............ oooops thats right, there is none because the western world is puppets to america and wont stand up and say america is WRONG and that they started all this. remember people there is 30000 people on russian borders now with out homes and unfortunately without some of their family and no one has offered them help only russia!!! but of course georgia gets everything including SYMPATHY, catch a grip people and call this another american campaign for oil. russia has all my support and shouldn't stand down to americas bullying tactics. come on russia don't let the motherland down .
Posted by glen northern ireland | 11.08.08, 18:12 GMT
Georgia attacked first- Russia needs to teach them a lesson, and it won't happen again. You reap what you sow. Maybe Georgia will learn to mind the own business and not to annoy Russia. It is certainly no other country's business now. If it was, then America and Uk should get out of all the countries they are in. I don't think Russia will lose this time around.
Posted by Mark | 11.08.08, 17:16 GMT
"Find who's in gain".
Who is in profit in this situation?
Georgian president gains international publicity that he hope will help him be accepted by NATO. BY ANY MEANS.
AMERICA gains raising dollar, McCain's rating and new oil resources. US DOESN'T CARE of dying people somewhere far distant, of democracy, that bla-bla is to brainwash the american society.
RUSSIA GAINS NOTHING FROM THIS WAR except international scandal and humiliation by american and european mass media.
That doll play was definitely written in Washington, d.c., and Saakhashvili is a trained puppet.
Posted by NightOwl, p.h.d. | 11.08.08, 17:08 GMT
USA should be doing this, not opposing it. There is NO WAR between Russia and Georgia. Simply because they are no match. Georgia committed crime, when entered territory of South Osetia and should be punished for that as Irak was for attacking Kuwait. (there was oil though)
Posted by john | 11.08.08, 16:31 GMT
when georgian solders started killing people of osetia and russian mission in osetia ( 08/08/2008 not yesterday!) nobody payed attention, they have killed 1800 people and nobody did hear when russia asked EU for help. EU keeped silence. Why? Because they were watching show in Bejing?They were busy? and now when russia protects osetian and russian people, you say russia is AGRESSOR. and what about georgian solders who killed women and children, they take girls and women whith them..why?what for? did you asked osetian people, mothers and wifes whose sons and husbands were killed ?who helped them now?america?EU?not ever a penny they gave them..i hope you will hear the people of osetia, because only they can tell us the true.
Posted by anastasia | 11.08.08, 14:59 GMT
It's not a weapon war (if it was so Russia'd win @ 8/8/2008) but mass media war. My friend's parents (i am Russian) are lost in Georgia now. They just stopped answering phone... they were in vocation there. Quite dumb of them to go there. From the other hand none of georgian people in russia were hurt for war-reason... None of them were called as a agressor or treated some other way. It's obvious who is real hater and agressor here.
Posted by AlVin, Petrozavodsk, Russia | 11.08.08, 14:17 GMT
On March 17, 2008 my new children's book THE BANJO & THE TELESCOPE came out from Publish America. I wrote it in English and a very dear friend translated it into Russian, so children can read it in both languages (English & Russian). That dear friend came to America from Georgia. He has family there. This book was written to encourage friendship by and between people who are very different from one another. It could not be more timely. It is my hope that it will encourage children to learn a second language, which will improve international communications. Improved communications will help us solve problems. Perhaps someday we will out grown the need for war! I sure hope so. Our prayers go out to the people of Russia and Georgia. Richard A. Payne
Posted by Richard A. Payne | 11.08.08, 14:04 GMT
73 Comments