Georgia: Russia May Have 5,000 Troops in Abkhazia

Citing an unnamed European intelligence source, a report released in late February by the Brussels-based think-tank International Crisis Group states that Russia has placed some 4,000 to 5,000 troops in the breakaway region of Abkhazia.

The estimate appears to be based on satellite imagery. Official troop counts supplied by Russian officials have varied from between 1,700 to 3,700, the February 26 report noted. De facto Abkhaz officials and Russian government representatives maintain that the troops are required to protect the separatist territory. Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in the aftermath of the Russian-Georgian war in August, 2008. Russian and Abkhaz leaders have expressed concern that Georgia might try to retake the renegade regions by force.

The Russian military has focused on developing two key locations on Abkhazia's Black Sea coastline -- a naval base at the port town of Ochamchire, (known in Abkhazia as Ochamchira), just across the administrative border with Georgian-controlled territory, and an air force facility further to the north at the coastal town of Gudauta.

The report found that Abkhaz leaders see the Russian troop presence as a guarantee for their de facto independence from Georgia.

Georgian officials maintain that the massive influx of military and economic aid to Abkhazia from Moscow signals Russian intent to annex the region. The nomination of Alexander Pavliushko, the Russian chief of staff of the former Commonwealth of Independent States peacekeeping forces in Abkhazia, as the region's de facto deputy defense minister only underlines those intentions, they argue. Abkhaz leaders deny any such plans. [To see the full report, click here].