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00.40 - 00.57 - Georgian side opens cannon artillery fire on the SARABUKI and DMENISI area.

01.00 - Georgian armed forces command takes a decision to muster militiamen.

02.13 - Georgian artillery opens fire from the KERE area at TSKHINVALI.

09.40 - UBIATI comes under mortar shelling.

14.30 - Georgian officers leave the Combined Headquarters (CHQ) of the Joint Peacekeeping Force (JPKF) location. Duty stations abandoned by observers from the Georgian side.

14.45 - Mortar shelling of NULI and AVNEVI.

15.43 - 16.15 - Georgian armed forces units in AVNEVI fire from cannon artillery, tanks and IFVs towards KHETAGUROVO; fire attacks delivered on the SVERI and ZEMO-NIKOZI area and on the southeastern outskirts of TSKHINVALI.

19.00 - Shelling of TSKHINVALI.

23.30 - Commander of peacekeeping operations at the Joint Staff of Georgian Armed Forces Brig. Gen. MAMUKA
KURASHVILI announces the start of combat operations against "Ossetian separatists."

23.40 - A massive fire attack on TSKHINVALI begins.

02.30 - Georgian AF units capture MUGUTI and start an offensive operation in two directions: MUGUTI, AVNEVI and KHETAGUROVO and MUGUTI, ZEMO-NIKOZI and TSKHINVALI.

04.15 - Firing on TSKHINVALI begins. Georgian armed forces (tank units) fired by direct laying at the JPKF CHQ and peacekeeping battalion locations.

06.00 - Georgian units assume the offensive on the city's southern outskirts.

07.40 - Georgian air force delivers an air strike on the DZHAVA cantonment and DIDI GUPTA Village.

11.00 - The Security Council of South Ossetia asks Russia for help.

11.54 - General mobilization declared in Georgia.
In TSKHINVALI Georgian AF units, having seized the Yuzhny peacekeeping battalion cantonment, fought for the cantonment Severny.
The Russian PKF battalion at Severny (upper) cantonment beat off 5 attacks and continued to fight. Its losses were: 2 men killed and 5 men wounded.
The Government House of the Republic of South Ossetia destroyed, and the state command center moved to the JPKF CHQ area.

14.30 - Under these conditions the Russian Federation was compelled to reinforce its peacekeeping troops within the JPKF in order to carry out the peacekeeping tasks laid upon Russia, as well as to defend Russian citizens in South Ossetia.

22.00 - Reinforcement units advance toward the blocked peacekeepers in the DZHAVA-TSKHINVALI sector, and engage Georgian units six km northeast of TSKHINVALI; units of Russian peacekeepers dig in on TSKHINVALI's northern outskirts.
A task force in the DZHAVA area formed to relieve the peacekeeping battalion.

00.00 - The broadcasting of all Russian television channels on the territory of Georgia terminated. Voice of America radio doubles its broadcasting frequency.

01.25 - The main force of the Georgian body of troops leaves TSKHINVALI and tries to dig in 2 km south of the city.

05.30 - 4 Russian Black Sea Fleet combat ships move to the OCHAMCHIRA disembarkation area.

08.00 - Georgia declares martial law for 15 days.

13.59 - Artillery shelling of the city of TSKHINVALI.

15.00 - Georgian artillery fires on columns of South Ossetian refugees as they move along the Zar Road and on Russian reinforcement units. From the south Georgian units supported by artillery undertook an assault attempt on the positions of the Russian peacekeeping battalion.

15.20 - After regrouping, Georgian units undertook a new assault attempt on TSKHINVAL. Suffered losses in the fighting, whereupon retreated to the ZEMO-NIKOZI, TBETI, KHETAGUROVO AND PRISI areas.

17.10 - 5 Georgian Navy boats heading from POTI Port towards the Port of OCHAMCHIRA.

19.12 - As they closed with Black Sea Fleet ships, the approaching Georgian Navy boats did not respond to any signals and inquiries, and ignored the demands to leave the security zone. After warning shots BSF ships stroke with their weapons at the violator boats, after which the latter left the security zone.

01.07 - Disembarkation of a Russian battalion tactical group from the large landing ship Tsezar Kunnikov completed.

03.34 - Georgian artillery continues striking at columns of Russian armed forces units advancing along the Zar Road.

06.30 - Disembarkation of a Russian battalion tactical group from the large landing ship Saratov completed.

08.00 - A Russian amphibian assault regiment concentrated 8 km northeast of OCHAMCHIRA. Russia moves a separate amphibian assault brigade of the battalion tactical group to BABUSHARA Airport.

10.00 - Georgian units fired on convoys with wounded, not allowing the Red Cross to conduct evacuation.

17.53 - Ukrainian authorities warn that the Black Sea Fleet ships may be denied return to SEVASTOPOL.

20.10 - Units of the amphibian assault regiment raised the blockade of the bridge over the river INGURI.
During 24 hrsGeorgian AF formations and units continued local operations for the capture of territory in the Republic of South Ossetia.
Mobilization of Georgian national guard reservists continued.

11 August 2008

03.00 - The last units of the Georgian armed forces leave TSKHINVALI.

05.00 - US aircraft deliver 800 Georgian troops and 80 tons of cargo from AL KUT, Iraq, to NOVOALEXEYEVKA Airport.

12.00 - Formations and units of Russian armed forces start assuming control of a security zone.

15.20 - Three Georgian Su-25 jets strike at areas of TLIAKANI, KVARNETI, KEKHVI, and EREDVI Villages. One plane shot down.

15.30 - Staff of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) withdrawn from Kodori Valley in Abkhazia, UN Assistant Secretary General Edmond Mulet reported.

18.00 - Russian armed forces reach the GORI area and assume the defensive along the SAKASHETI, VARIANI and KARALETI line.
The amphibian assault regiment blocked ZUGDIDI.

21.40 - Concentration of personnel brought from Iraq noticed at the Georgian armed forces' training center in GORI.

12 August 2008

06.00 - Georgian armed forces start restoring their combat power, as well as regrouping troops.
SENAKI blocked by units of the Russian amphibian assault regiment.

07.00 - Units of a Russian amphibian assault regiment start advancing from NABAKEVI to occupy the mountain passes TABARI, KHONI and KALAMARI-SUKI (east of Kodori Valley) on the routes of possible advance of Georgian units.

12.00 - Georgian armed forces take up defensive positions, concentrating on holding GORI.

12.30 - Russian armed forces units reach the northern outskirts of GORI.

12.45 - The President of the Russian Federation announces completion of the operation to force Georgia to peace.

13.00 - The leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense takes a decision to suspend the further advance of Russian forces.

18.30 - The Presidents of Russia and France voice the principles for resolving the conflict.

23.25 - Black Sea Fleet ships detect a high-speed group target that is moving from POTI. The target did not respond to an inquiry. A warning salvo was fired. The target lays smoke screens, turns back and disappears.

Russian armed forces units conducted no combat actions; they pressed back a group of Georgian troops from the security zone and blocked the conflict area. Provided conditions for delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population.

03.00 - Russian aircraft made air and radar reconnaissance, and escorted truck convoys with humanitarian cargo.

09.00 - In the Kodori Valley area Georgian armed forces units surrender their arms and withdraw from the valley. Units of Abkhazia's armed forces conduct search operations there.

12.00 - The President of Georgia agrees to the principal items of the Russian-French plan for a peaceful settlement of the conflict. Georgian armed forces continued the withdrawal of troops towards TBILISI.

18.40 - The US President announces the "beginning of a humanitarian mission to Georgia led by the US military," demanding the Russian side ensure that "all lines of communication and transport in Georgia remain open for the delivery of humanitarian assistance."

During 24 hrsTroops of the Russian group of armed forces carry out the fortification of the areas held as well as of the posts, and gear up for subsequent actions.

14.08 - US armed forces make one flight with humanitarian cargo to TBILISI Airport.

15.35 - A part of the GAF units are withdrawn towards MTSKHETA, the rest of the troops take up defensive positions near TBILISI.

21.00 - US military transport aircraft make five flights to TBILISI Airport, delivering humanitarian and military cargo.

06.00 - Georgian armed forces units continued regrouping with the aim of building up groups of troops in the TBILISI area; individual sabotage and reconnaissance groups and snipers operate within South Ossetian territory.

10.00 - An all-round defense is being set up around TBILISI and contiguous settlements. Defensive positions continue to be organized in the MTSKHETA area.

15.00 - NATO countries start rendering humanitarian assistance to Georgia.

17.00 - Forward units of Russian armed forces set up five peacekeeping posts to assume control of the security zone.
10.00 - Russian armed forces set up 18 posts in the LASHE and KOSHKA sector.
Some of their units take up defensive positions with a forward edge along the left bank of the DIDI-RUI canal so as to prevent a Georgian breakthrough towards KUTAISI and GORI, while other units take up defensive positions with a forward edge along the Lake Nalarbizevi line, western outskirts of NATSRETI, to prevent a Georgian breakthrough towards TBILISI and GORI.

13.00 - To reinforce the group of forces in South Ossetia, the introduction of troop units of airborne forces into the republic begins.

04.00 - Sabotage groups of the Georgian armed forces attempt to commit acts of sabotage in the ROKI TUNNEL area.

09.00 - One of the GAF units back from Iraq takes up defensive positions on the OAKMI and eastern outskirts of KASPI line; in the SAGURAMO and MTSKHETA area a Georgian interior ministry brigade holds the line; a reserve is concentrated at DIGOMI.

10.00 - Russian AF units increase the number of posts in threatened sectors to 36.
To build up the efforts of the group of forces in the Republic of South Ossetia, a reserve of manpower and equipment stands ready to be sent into the conflict zone.

21.15 - A column of Russian peacekeepers moving from SENAKI fired on from grenade launchers 3 km south of the 301st checkpoint.
The Georgian leadership is actively searching for ways to restore the combat power of the armed forces.

22.00 - Georgian armed forces remain deployed in the barracks; same applies to units stationed in GORI.

During 24 hrsFormations and units of the Russian armed forces occupy designated areas, carry out search/reconnaissance actions and provide security for civilians in their zones of responsibility, along with their gearing up for withdrawal to their places of permanent deployment.

06.00 - The French Foreign Minister declares the need to send international peacekeeping forces into the Georgian-Ossetian zone of conflict and to put pressure on the conflicting parties so as to get Russian troops withdrawn from the territory of Georgia.

12.00 - South Ossetia objects to the presence of international observers on its territory and asks Russia to set up a Russian military base in the area.

15.00 - Georgian armed forces units continue efforts to restore combat power and prepare defenses on the approaches to TBILISI; they also step up sabotage and terrorist activities on South Ossetian territory.

18.00 - By a decree of the President of Abkhazia, martial law is canceled in a number of areas of the republic.

19 August 2008

06.00 - The leadership of Georgian security agencies undertakes attempts to regain control over the motor road between GORI and TBILISI.

08.00 - Georgian armed forces are strengthening their defensive positions in the Tbilisi sector.
According to available information, the entry into Black Sea waters of ships of NATO member countries is being planned.

12.00 - Reinforcement units of the Russian peacekeeping forces occupy the designated areas as well as provide security for the civilian population in their zones of responsibility.
The UK and US submit to a NATO emergency meeting of foreign ministers a proposal to "suspend" cooperation with Russia in the area of ensuring joint security.

13.00 - Information about demoralization of Georgian armed forces personnel confirmed. During a marching drill review by the Georgian president at VAZIANI, personnel looked depressed, about 200 troops did not have a military uniform; and up to 150 had left the mountain training center at SACHKHERE. US servicemen responsible for the training of the Georgian armed forces noted the low fighting efficiency of the troops and their inability to resist Russia's armed forces.

17.00 - One Georgian policeman killed by return fire after armed persons had attacked a group of Russian peacekeepers in the SKHALTBA area. Another policeman taken prisoner.

18.00 - Mobile groups of Russian peacekeepers found and detained an armed group of 20 in the POTI Port area, and an armed group of 20 in five armored vehicles with the identification signs of the Georgian armed forces in the ZUGDIDI area.

21.00 - Georgian armed forces units try to intensify reconnaissance, sabotage and terrorist activities, continuing to use unmanned spy planes for this purpose. One such UAV was downed by an air defense crew on duty of Russian reinforcement units 16 km south of TSKHINVALI.

08.00 - Formations and units of Georgia's armed forces continue regrouping and the restoration of their combat power. A part of the forces take up defensive positions on the approaches to TBILISI.
GAF units hold the OKAMI - eastern outskirts of KASPI line; in the SAGURAMO - MTSKHETA sector an interior ministry brigade has taken up defensive positions, and an all-arms reserve of up to a tank battalion is concentrated in the DIGOMI area.
Work continues on the organization of positions in the KHOVLE area (3 km southwest of KASPI).
GAF units massed at the VAZIANI place of permanent deployment and in the KODHZORI area. Up to 800 Georgian troops are massed in the ONI area.
Georgian special purpose units try to intensify sabotage and terrorist activities on the territory of South Ossetia and in contiguous areas.

08.30 - Ships of the Spanish and German navies start passing through the Dardanelles Strait.

11.30 - A Georgian machine-gun crew on a mountain slope noticed as they open fire one to 2 km from the Central Republican Hospital building in TSKHINVALI. Russian peacekeepers open return fire for effect.

12.00 - In Stavropol Territory FSB agencies detain on a charge of spying in Georgia's favor a senior Russian armed forces officer, M. Khachitze, who served in one of the military units in the North Caucasus.

13.00 - The appearance of Turkish naval ships noted in Black Sea waters.

14.35 - Georgian armed forces command attempts to restore their system of communication and troop control.
Work of 10 Georgian armed forces communication centers on ultra-short-wave frequencies noted.

16.00 - Two portable launchers and nine antitank guided missiles discovered and removed in the area 2 km west of DAVATI.

21.00 - The President of South Ossetia signs a degree lifting martial law.

00.10 - The Georgian leadership asks the US Defense Department to urgently return to places of permanent deployment Georgian servicemen taking a course of training in American educational institutions. In addition, supply to Georgia of military purpose products is actively discussed with the US leadership.

06.00 - Georgian armed forces units and formations are massed in the central part of the country, restore their combat power and prepare for further actions.
GAF units hold the OKAMI - eastern outskirts of KASPI line; interior ministry units are on the SAGURAMO-MTSKHETA line; a reserve is concentrated in the DIGOMI area; a GAF unit is deployed at a place of permanent stationing (VAZIANI).
Intelligence shows the Georgian side deployed additional manpower and equipment on the left bank of the river Ksani, with up to 7 tanks and an armored personnel carrier in the AGAYANI area and with up to 5 tanks and one APC, as also up to 20 units of special equipment, in the KHIDISKURI area.

08.30 - Reinforcement units of the Russian peacekeeping forces:
in the South Ossetia sector:
perform service at 30 peacekeeping posts and outpost supports in the GORI area and along the administrative border; terrain organization continues in the areas of massed troops, protect important facilities on lines of communication; units of peacekeepers conduct loading work and movement to places of permanent deployment by rail;
in the Abkhazia sector:
stationed in the areas of troop amassment west of SENAKI; provide security for the civilian population in the area of SENAKI and POTI; control the pass KALAMARI-SUKI; conduct the preparations to set up extra peacekeeping observation posts in the first and second lines of the security zone; perform the tasks in protecting the administrative buildings in ZUGDIDI.

13.30 - Based on the results of a "national gathering," Abkhazia and South Ossetia send to Russia the appeals of the presidents and parliaments of these republics to recognize the independence of their self-proclaimed states.

18.35 - The Spanish and German naval ships enter the Black Sea.
08.00 - The command of Georgian security agencies continues the conduct of reconnaissance activities to find out the nature and focus of activities by Russian armed forces units and South Ossetian militias, along with the preparations for armed actions in the Georgian-Ossetian zone of conflict.
Formations and units of the Georgian armed forces are concentrated in the central part of the Republic, restore combat power and prepare for further actions. Engineering work is under way to create operational defenses.
Formations and units of the Russian armed forces, having suspended active combat actions, occupy their designated areas, conduct search and reconnaissance actions and provide security for civilians in their zones of responsibility. Formations and units massed in the area 1.5 km northwest of ARDON are occupied with movement to their places of permanent deployment by rail.

10.00 - Small missile ship Mirazh returns to its base in SEVASTOPOL, with no hindrance on the part of Ukrainian authorities.

15.10 - A Polish frigate and a US destroyer pass through the Bosporus Strait.

17.30 - Formations and units of the Russian armed forces complete setting up peacekeeping observation posts for the security zones in the South Ossetia and Abkhazia sectors.

18.00 - Russian units and formations involved in the peacekeeping operation withdraw beyond the line of peacekeeping observation posts and start preparing for pullback to their places of permanent deployment from August 23, 2008.