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Georgian spy plane shot down over Abkhazia

Georgia Materials 20 April 2008 18:44 (UTC +04:00)

Air Defence forces in Abkhazia say they have shot down an unmanned Georgian spy plane over the breakaway republic's Gali District. Officials have launched a search operation for the debris, according to sources in the area. ( RT )

In a phone interview with RT, Abkhazia's presidential envoy to the area, Ruslan Kishmariya, said it was not the first time spy planes have violated the republic's air space.

"Recently there was a case when a Georgian air vehicle was shot down. However, reconnaissance flights didn't stop after that," Kishmariya said.

The incident comes amidst Georgian claims that Abkhazia has raised tension by sending additional armed forces to the Gali district.

Counter claims from the Abkhazian side say Georgia is increasing its military presence around the contested Kodori Gorge.

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