TFGG01: GEORGIA TASK FORCE SITUATION REPORT NO. 04

S E C R E T STATE 085639 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/10/2018 TAGS: AEMR ASEC CASC KFLO MARR PREL PINR AMGT GG SUBJECT: TFGG01: GEORGIA TASK FORCE SITUATION REPORT NO. 04 Classified by Senior Watch Officer Shawn Crowley for reasons 1.4 (B and D). RUSSIA PRESSES ATTACK, HITTING GEORGIAN CITY OF ZUGDIDI -------------- -------------- 1.(SBU) The Russian attack on Zugdidi is the first Russian ground attack on Georgian territory outside of Abkhazia and South Ossetia The attack comes after Georgia disengaged and pulled back its troops from South Ossetia at Russia's request. Russia is bombing civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and housing complexes. Georgian authorities estimate there are approximately 10,000 Russian troops in Georgia. (TF/Embassy Tbilisi telcon and e-mail). RUSSIAN WARSHIPS ARRIVE, REFUGEES IN TBILISI -------------- 2.(C) Russian warships arrived at the Georgian Black Sea coast with orders to prevent weapons from reaching Georgia, according to media. Embassy Moscow reports Russian officials continue to deny Russia is waging war, claiming it is "performing a peacekeeping mission. " Embassy Tbilisi notes up to 4,000 Russian ground forces may have disembarked from the ships. (Moscow 2321, TF/Embassy Tbilisi telcon, Reuters). 3.(SBU) Three bombs were dropped on the military side of the Tbilisi International Airport. The airport is still open although many Foreign carriers have cancelled flights. (TF/Embassy Tbilisi telcon). ¶4. (SBU) Embassy Tbilisi reports no fuel or food shortages in the capital. Some Georgian refugees from South Ossetia have arrived in Tbilisi and post comments a medical emergency is likely given the targeting of hospitals elsewhere in the country. (TF/Embassy Tbilisi telcon). EMBASSY CONVOYS DEPART FOR YEREVAN -------------- 5.(SBU) Approximately 58 people traveled to Yerevan in fifteen cars and two embassy vehicles. Embassy Tbilisi informed the Russians of the planned convoy route. A second convoy will depart August 11 using two chartered buses. (TF/Embassy Tbilisi telcon). GEORGIAN TROOPS BEGIN RETURN FROM IRAQ -------------- ¶6. (S) Embassy Baghdad reports ten USAF C-17 flights will complete the mission within approximately 48 hours. (TF/Embassy Baghdad e-mail). ¶7. (U) Minimize considered. RICE