Russian forces begin major pullback from the security zone

Reports on 6 October 2008 indicate that Russian forces have begun their first major pullback from the security zone surrounding Georgia's separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which it has recognized as independent. The checkpoint near the village of Karaleti in the security zone south of South Ossetia has been specifically cited as being dismantled; however, it is still not known when the troops are set to leave. Activity has also been observed at a checkpoint at Kvenatkotsa near South Ossetia, which was supposed to be dismantled by 6 October; however, no such developments have been reported at a communications post near Nadarbazevi village, which was also due to be dismantled the same day. Russian forces have until 10 October to complete their full withdrawal from the security zone. Despite the seemingly positive developments, tensions have escalated over several recent incidents of violence in the separatist regions. On 6 October a shootout occurred between border guards and Georgian forces in Abkhazia's Gali district. An Abkhazian border guard was reportedly killed in the fighting, which took place in the village of Nabakevi, but Georgia has denied any knowledge of the incident. Russian troops also claimed on 6 October that they had been targeted in a road bombing near the Inguri hydroelectric power station near the Abkhazian border. Georgian officials reported hearing blasts from the area, but did not give any further details. Both incidents follow a car bombing near the headquarters of the Russian peacekeeping force in Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia, on 3 October. The blast, which killed at least 10 Russian soldiers and blew out windows from buildings up to 435 yd/400 m away, originated from a car that Russian soldiers had confiscated from the Georgian village of Ditsi, which is located in the security zone, after it was found to contain weapons. The Defense Ministry of Russia stated that the car bomb was a well planned terrorist attack which aimed to disrupt the peace plan that was implemented after the Georgian-Russian conflict. Georgia has denied involvement.