Additional Russian Troops Set Up Two Base Camps in Abkhazia

Additional Russian troops in breakaway Abkhazia are stationed in the villages of Akamara and Arasadzikh in the Ochamchire district of the breakaway region, Russian news agencies reported.

RIA Novosti news agency reported on May 7 that the Russian troops, sent to Abkhazia to reinforce peacekeeping forces, were setting up “two base camps” in the villages.

The village of Arasadzikh lies to the north of the town of Ochamchire. Just to the north of the village lies Kodori ridge and beyond that is the Georgian-controlled area of upper Kodori Gorge.

Russian news agencies and online news wires reported on May 6 that 400 paratrooper were among the additional troops in Abkhazia.

They are thought to have, according to the reports, 30 airborne vehicles – BMD-2s – artillery guns and anti-aircraft systems, including ZSU-23-2s.