Georgian Connection in the Shelling of Tskhinval

Investigations into the mortar bombardment of the town of Tskhinval during the celebration of the republic's Independence Day are underway in South Ossetia.

The South-Ossetian Interior Ministry has succeeded in establishing that the shelling was conducted from the village of Nikozi populated mostly by Georgians. Local inhabitants confirm that the shells had been fired from a 129-mm mortar trailed to the firing position by a VAZ jeep.

The firing position had been set up at the distance of about one kilometer from Nikozi. After firing, the mortar was driven away in the direction of the town of Gori (Georgia). According to the witnesses, the firing might have continued longer, but due to the actions of the angered villagers the mortar crew had to flee in haste.

The firing direction had also been registered by the Interior Ministry personnel who were providing security during the festivities.

As earlier reported, residential areas of Tskhinval had been mortar-shelled from the Georgian side on September 20, when the self-proclaimed republic was celebrating its 15th independence year. About 10 people, among them a three-year-old girl, had been wounded in three shell explosions.