Russian-controlled occupation forces resume creeping occupation in central Georgia

The Russian-controlled occupation forces have resumed the installation of illegal barriers near the village of Khurvaleti, in the Gori municipality of central Georgia, adjacent to the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region, the State Security Service confirmed on Wednesday. 

The occupation forces launched the so-called borderisation process in the locality last year, the agency said, adding the hotline had been activated over the incidents and the co-chairs of the Geneva International Discussions on the country’s conflict issues had been informed. 

The occupation forces occupied the small mountain near the village of Khurvaleti after the Russia-Georgia 2008 conflict. 

The slope locates the village cemetery, which is currently divided into two, with the Russian-controlled forces also entering the Tbilisi-controlled territory and abducting locals. 

Khurvaleti was the first village where the Russian-controlled forces started the so-called borderisation in 2011. 

Georgia lost control over 189 villages following the 2008 war, 125 of which are still under the Russian occupation regime.