‘Intensive Shootout’ Reported in S.Ossetia

An intensive exchange of fire involving mortars and grenade launchers erupted in the South Ossetian conflict zone late on May 19, Georgian and South Ossetian sources reported.

The South Ossetian side said two resident of the breakaway region’s capital, Tskhinvali, had been slightly injured as a result of shelling.

The sides blamed each other for initiating the exchange, which occurred between the areas of southern Tskhinvali and the Georgian villages of Ergneti and Kvemo Nikozi.

Georgian media sources reported that several houses in the Georgian villages were damaged.

The Georgian side has condemned the incident and called on the international community for reaction.

“The Georgian side will spare no efforts to avoid armed confrontation… At the same time, we cannot tolerate such actions which would endanger the life and security of peaceful population of the Tskhinvali region,” the Office of the Georgian State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues said on May 20.    

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