Russian Peacekeepers Say Georgian Warplanes Strike S.Ossetia

Five Georgian SU-25 Frogfoot attack aircraft attacked South Ossetian military positions in the village of Kverneti to the north of Tskhinvali, according to Russian peacekeeping forces, Interfax reported.

The Georgian Public Broadcaster aired footage in its 8am news bulletin showing two warplanes flying over the conflict zone. 

Meanwhile, Georgian media sources reported that Georgian troops had forced South Ossetian militias to withdraw from eight villages around Tskhinvali as a result of overnight fighting. Znauri, Sarabuki, Khetagurovo, Dmenisi, Didmukha, Atotsi, Okona, and Mugut are all reportedly now under Georgian control.

Although acknowledging the loss of control over a number of villages around the capital, the South Ossetian side said they had foiled a Georgian attempt to take Tskhinvali.