Abkhazia opens second front against Georgia

Abkhazia's President has sent 1,000 troops to the Kodori Gorge and called a general mobilization of its reservists. This follows a bombardment of the valley by Abkhazian forces and bombings by Russia. Signs of an invasion were being seen earlier when Abkhazia warned the UN observer mission to leave the gorge.

This in the wake of a temporary ceasefire and withdrawal in South Ossetia possibly to allow in humanitarian workers. At the same time Russia appears to be imposing a naval blockade on Georgia as well as deploying ships near Abkhazia to prevent incursions by Georgian ships. The massive increase of Russian troops in the area together with the mobilization by Abkhazia mean the second front will be even heavier than the last.

At the same time the ceasefire in South Ossetia may be buying time before its 2,000 troops in Iraq return to join the conflict. With significant Russian forces deployed in South Ossetia and Abkhazia the well-trained combat-experienced soldiers would provide a major boost to Georgia's efforts.

In the mean time Abkhazia has made sure there will not be any major lull in violence.