Six die in Georgia in clash with Abkhazian rebels

A band of Abkhazian rebels operating in the conflict zone near the village of Lei surrounded a Georgian police patrol post this morning and opened fire. Four policemen were killed and several others were injured. Two of the rebels were also killed. This was announced to Rosbalt by the police department of Zugdidi.

The clash took place in a security zone where Russian peacekeepers are deployed and the arrival of Russian troops caused the attackers to disperse.

Initial reports suggest that the attack was carried out by one of the better known Abkhazian rebel groups which includes several Georgian criminals who escaped from prison in September 2003. Georgian security forces claim the attackers then fled into Abkhazian territory.