20 August 2004, 20:15
Yesterday's attack staged by Georgian military, South Osetian sources say
South Osetian military men and politicians believe that the talks about a certain uncontrollable force constantly trying to escalate the armed confrontation are completely refuted by yesterday's developments. "The Georgian side's actions to occupy the hill and start storming the town were well organized and coordinated without any disagreements between military commanders," South Osetian Minister of Information and Press Irina Gagloyeva said.
According to information of the South Osetian Defense Ministry, 26 Georgian soldiers were killed yesterday, August 19, during clashes on the Dzartsemi-Eredvi detour road. Altogether Georgian armed units have lost 71 people for the last 20 days, that is to say beginning from the first massive attack on Tskhinval, South Osetian military sources say. Troops were withdrawn so that not to lose face.
As for the Osetian side, 8 injured civilians were taken to the republican hospital and four people were killed, a 15-year-old boy being among them.
Meantime, South Osetian Defense Minister Anatoly Barankevich does not rule out that only soldiers of Georgian official structures were withdrawn from South Osetia, groups consisting of militiamen and mercenaries remaining in Georgian villages.
Author: Inga Kochiyeva, CK correspondent Source: Caucasian Knot
