Russian rocket lounchers are seen in position outside the South Ossetian capital of Tskhinvali, August 9, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Abkhazia's armed forces conducted an operation to force Georgian troops out of the upper part of the Kodori gorge on Saturday. Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili claimed that his country had defeated all attacks on the gorge.

    An Interfax source said a sea blockade of Georgia will help avoid an escalation of combat operations in Abkhazia.