Abkhazia1993

23 July 1992 – Abkhazian Government proclaims independence from Georgia.

14 August 1992 – Georgian national police and National Guard units are deployed to Abkhazia to quell unrest. Sporadic fighting begins.  Thousands of foreign fighters from across the Caucasus region, including Chechens, Cossacks, and South Ossetians, travel to fight for Abkhazia over the coming months.

25 August 1992 – Georgian military commander Giorgi Karkarashvili announces that he will not take prisoners, and if peace talks fail and the Georgians of Abkhazia are killed, he will kill the entire population of Abkhazia.  Abkhazian forces use these statements as justification for their conflict with Georgia.  Ethnic cleansing, displacement, and other atrocities against non-combatants begin to be reported on both sides.

31 August 1992 – Georgian military forces are almost entirely in control of Abkhazia.  Pockets of Abkhaz resistance remain.

02 September 1992 – The Russian government mediates a ceasefire in the Abkhazian region.  As part of the deal, Georgian military units leave the district of Gagra.  Almost immediately, Abkhaz units break the ceasefire and entire Gagra, murdering hundreds of Georgian civilians in retaliation for earlier atrocities committed against Abkhaz civilians.

03 September 1992 – The Abkhaz military begins a general offensive, bolstered by new weapons and many fresh volunteers.  Georgian officials accuse Russian military units on the border of assisting the Abkhazian military.

13 October 1992 – Despite deploying the bulk of the regular Georgian military to Abkhazia, Abkhazian forces push the Georgians back.  Thousands of Georgian civilians are raped, tortured, and murdered by advancing Abkhaz and allied troops.  The United Nations Security Council adopts resolution 784, condemning the violence in Abkhazia and urging all sides to cease hostilities immediately.

27 November 1992 – Abkhazian forces surround and besiege Sukhumi.  Artillery shelling and airstrikes begin on the city and the surrounding villages.  Witnesses report seeing Russian aircraft and ground forces assisting the Abkhaz military.  Georgia lodges a formal complaint with the United Nations against Russia.  Russia denies any involvement in the conflict in Abkhazia.

02 December 1992 – Russian naval forces begin a blockade of Georgian ports on the Black Sea coast.  Russia states that it is attempting to stop the flow of weapons and munitions into Georgia in order to end the conflict and prevent atrocities.  Reports suggest that arms, munitions, and reinforcements are still allowed to enter Abkhaz-held ports.

17 January 1993 – Sukhumi falls to Abkhazian forces.  Reports suggest that continuous bombing of the city by Russian aircraft and operations by Russian Spetznaz operators contributed to the fall of the city.  Thousands of Georgian civilians are massacred.

19 January 1993 – The USS Saipan Amphibious Ready Group with 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard and the USS Carl Vinson Carrier Battle Group are ordered to steam to and take station in the Black Sea.

20 January 1993 – At the UN, the United Kingdom attempts to pass a resolution calling for the establishment of a peacekeeping operation in Abkhazia.  The motion is vetoed by Russia.

12 February 1993 – The last major Georgian military formations are expelled from Abkhazia.  Abkhazian military leaders immediately call for a ceasefire.  Skirmishes along the border and airstrikes between the two forces continue for weeks.

15 February 1993 – The USS Saipan ARG and USS Carl Vinson CBG arrive in the Black Sea.

20 February 1993 – Negotiations on the status of Abkhazia begin in Sochi, mediated by Russia.

24 February 1993 – Reports indicate a large build up of Russian military equipment in Abkhazia.

12 March 1993 – For several weeks, reports and photographic evidence from Abkhazia have detailed serious warcrimes committed against Georgian civilians in Abkhazia.  At another emergency session of the UN Security Council, another call for a peacekeeping mission is vetoed by Russia.

14 March 1993 – Talks at Sochi break down, with the Georgian delegation walking out.

17 March 1993 – The newly assembled parliament of Abkhazia declares unilateral Independence from Georgia.

18 March 1993 – The Russian government officially recognizes the Republic of Abkhazia.  The same day, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit leaves Norfolk, VA aboard the USS Tarawa ARG with orders to steam for the Aegean Sea.

19 March 1993 – After numerous requests from the international community, the government of Abkhazia agrees to allow international aid workers with foreign military protection to enter Abkhazia.  The Greeks begin Operation Golden Fleece, both to evacuate European citizens from Abkhazia and bring foreign aid to displaced civilians there.  The force also includes Turkish, Italian, and British military attachments and civilian aid workers from all over the world.

28 March 1993 – For weeks, a massive build up of military equipment, units, and aircraft has been observed along the borders of Abkhazia.

31 March 1993 – USS Tarawa ARG arrives in the Aegean Sea. 22nd and 24th MEUs are combined into SP-MAGTF Task Force Khe Sanh.  Tarawa ARG is ordered to enter the Black Sea.

02 April 1993 – Between 4 am and 7 am, explosions rock several cities in Abkhazia.  Several Abkhazian government buildings, police stations, military bases, and Abkhaz businesses are targeted.  Greek and Italian military personnel from Operation Golden Fleece deploy from a nearby outpost to blast sites in the city of Gali to assist in rescue efforts.  Soon after, members of the local police and Cossack militiamen attack the Greeks and Italians.  The Greeks and Italians, having left their weapons at the outpost, are overwhelmed and either killed or taken captive.

The same day, a Greek military convoy transporting aid workers between blast sites is ambushed by Chechen fighters.  After a 45 minute firefight, the Greeks are overrun.  Several Greek, British, and Turkish military personnel and civilian aid workers are taken prisoner, and reports indicate several prisoners are summarily executed.  The Greek military command order all units and civilian aid workers to leave Abkhazia immediately.

After an emergency session of parliament later that afternoon, the Republic of Abkhazia accuses Georgia of executing terror attacks against them.

03 April 1993 – Around 4 am local (0000 Zulu), waves of Abkhazian aircraft take off from bases in Abkhazia and strike targets all over Georgia.  At the same time, armored formations cross the border and head for objectives in Georgia.

	0200 Zulu
Abkhaz Su-25s and L-39s attack convoys from Operation Golden Fleece as they attempt to head for Senaki.  Mirage 2000s from Kutaisi lift off to cover the convoys.  The Mirages shoot down several Abkhaz aircraft.

	0600 Zulu
Abkhaz government officials announce that a state of war has been declared between Abkhazia and Georgia.  Abkhaz President Vladislav Ardzinba says, “Due to the aggression of our Georgian neighbors, it is clear that military operations are the only way we can secure peace and independence for the Abkhazian people.”

	1000 Zulu
Emergency sessions of Greek and Turkish parliaments approve military action in Georgia.  A Turkish armored division is hastily assembled and sent to the border with Georgia.  The Greek 1st Paratrooper Brigade is mobilized.  Within an hour, the government of Georgia approves foreign military assistance.

	1400 Zulu
At an emergency session of the UN Security Council, Russia again vetoes military action in Georgia.  An emergency NATO meeting is held in Brussels.

	1600 Zulu
Operation Golden Fleece forces arrive in Senaki.  Together with regrouping Georgian forces, they form hasty defenses to the West and North of Senaki.  Georgian forces along the coast are ordered to fall back to Senaki to aid its defense. Turkish F-4s, F-5s, and C-130s carrying their support and supplies arrive at Senaki Airbase.  In Brussels, NATO members agree to military action in Georgia, pending approval by the various NATO member's governments.  It is agreed that Senaki will serve as a hub to protect fleeing civilians.

	2000 Zulu
Abkhaz forces have driven as far south as Poti on the coast and have begun to bypass Senaki to the North.  Greek and Italian transports carrying the Greek 1st Paratrooper Brigade land at Senaki airfield. Meanwhile off the coast, Task Force Khe Sanh observe transport ships approaching Poti and offloading equipment.  Without orders to engage, the Task Force can only inform units at Senaki of what is happening.

04 April 1993

	0000 Zulu (0400 Lima)
Greek Paratroopers and Georgian forces have reinforced and reorganized the lines around Senaki.  They hope to hold just long enough to evacuate the aircraft from Senaki airbase, or hope that follow-on NATO units arrive.

	0100 Zulu
The commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet contacts the commander of Task Force Khe Sanh, informing him that Russian naval vessels are conducting humanitarian operations along the coast, and warning the Americans to keep their ships and aircraft at least twelve miles offshore, "to avoid accidents".  At the same time, E2 Hawkeye aircraft detect large transport aircraft flying south along the coast and turning west just past Poti.  Georgian National Guard units North of Kobuleti observe parachutes falling north of the Supsa river, along Highway E692.

	0200 Zulu
An Italian C-130, carrying wounded Greek troops and civilian aid workers, lifts off from Senaki for Turkey.  Minutes after taking off, it is intercepted by two unmarked Su-27s.  The C-130 pilots, believing the aircraft to be Russian, report the encounter and announce their intentions over the guard frequency.  The Su-27s do not respond.  Greek Mirages are vectored to the C-130 to act as escorts.  Minutes later, one of the Su-27s fires on the C-130.  A dogfight ensues between the Mirages and the Su-27s as the C-130 crashes in a field south of Senaki.  All aboard are lost.

	0400 Zulu
Task Force Khe Sanh relays a message from the Greek commander at Senaki to the Russian Navy in Sevastopol, informing them of the downing of the Italian C-130 and requesting that all Russian aircraft leave Georgian airspace.  The Russian commander responds thirty minutes later, saying that there are no Russian aircraft in Georgia, and suggesting that the aircraft must have been Abkhazian.

	0600 Zulu
The Greek paratroops report contact with advance units of hostile heavy armor.  With the help of Georgian antitank units and Georgian and Turkish aircraft, the first few probing attacks are repulsed.  The Greek commander at Senaki is convinced that this armor must be Russian, and again contacts the Russian Black Sea Fleet via Task Force Khe Sanh.  The Russians again deny any of their units are in Georgia or Abkhazia.

	0800 Zulu
Reports begin to reach Tblisi that thousands of militia fighters from The Confederation of Mountain Peoples of the Caucasus have taken over villages in the mountains to the North of Kutaisi near the Russian border.  Reports suggest mass arrests and some summary executions have taken place.

	0900 Zulu
The Government of Georgia officially accuses Russia of supporting the Abkhazians with aircraft, ships, and military forces.  The Georgian government orders Russian units still stationed in Georgia to leave immediately.  The majority of troops from the 10th Guards Motor Rifle Division (Akhaltsikhe), 152nd Motor Rifle Division (Kutaisi), and 145th Motor Rifle Division (Batumi) are Georgian, and choose to remain in Georgia as members of the Georgian military.  These troops are subsequently renamed the 22nd, 21st, and 25th Motorized Brigades, respectively.  Non-Georgian troops are ordered to leave Georgia via South Ossetia, however there are no Georgian forces availble to ensure this happens.  Most Russian troops instead head for Abkhaz lines, and many fall in with the Abkhazians.  Many others remain behind disguised as members of the Confederation of Mountain Peoples of the Caucasus.

	1300 Zulu
Georgian National Guard units West of Senaki report contact with Abkhazian troops who are attacking from Poti.  The first few attacks are repulsed with the help of Turkish and Georgian close air support.  Meanwhile off the coast, Su-25s of unknown origin approach and threaten the American fleet.  F-14s from USS Carl Vinson attempt to warn off the Su-25s, but are forced to shoot them down after they get too close to the fleet.  The Tomcats are unable to identify the national origin of the Frogfoots.

	1500 Zulu
After emergency sessions of several NATO member nations' legislatures, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain all approve military action in Georgia.  Meanwhile, the last few groups of Georgian, Turkish, and Greek aircraft, support staff, and equipment leave Senaki airbase.  Greek and Georgian forces fall back through Senaki.  Greek Paratroopers with Georgian antitank support fight a rear guard action while Georgian motor troops and National Guard retreat to Kutaisi.

	1600 Zulu
The Georgian 25th Motor Rifle Brigade reaches the south bank of Supsa River and reports contact with enemy forces across the river.  Several bridges have been destroyed by airstrikes and the Brigade itself comes under attack from the air.  At the same time, lead elements of the Turkish 12th Mechanized Infantry Brigade arrive in Batumi.

	2000 Zulu (0000 Lima)
The 18th Motor Rifle Brigade links up with lead elements of the 21st Motor Rifle Brigade near Samikao.  A defensive line is established running North to South along the Tekhuri River, with the 15th Motor Rifles dug in the hills overlooking Targameuli, the 18th Motor Rifles and the Greek Paratroopers between Bandza and Mukhurcha, and the 21st Motor Rifles between Sepieti and Abasha.

	2200 Zulu
During an emergency session, the US Congress approves military action in Georgia.  Twenty minutes later, the Canadian parliament does the same.  The commander of Task Force Khe Sanh contacts the Russian commander at Sevastopol and warns him that any non-NATO military aircraft over Georgian or Abkhazian airspace will be considered hostile and shot down.  The Russian commander again insists that there are no Russian military forces in Georgia.  An additional squadron of Greek Mirages arrives at Batumi airfield.

05 April 1993

	0000 Zulu (0400 Lima)
NATO announces Operation Prometheus Dawn.  The objectives of this operation are 1.) To push Abkhazian forces back to their original cease-fire borders, 2.) To capture and bring to justice the perpetrators of various warcrimes and atrocities in Georgia and Abkhazia, and 3.) To protect civilians and prevent future warcrimes.  American Maritime Prepositioning ships leave Porto Livorno in Italy with equipment for a complete Armored Brigade aboard.  At around the same time, the 2nd Brigade of the US 1st Armored Division is flown from their base in Ansbach, Germany to Turkey.

	0100 Zulu
Poti Air Battle - E2 Hawkeye AWACS from USS Carl Vinson detect a large formation of bogey aircraft flying south from Abkhaz airspace towards Batumi.  Mirages and F-4s are scrambled from Batumi airfield, and F-14s are launched from Carl Vinson to intercept the formation.  Nato aircraft engage Su-27s, Su-25s, and L-39s over Poti.

	0400-1900 Zulu
Since before dawn, Turkish Phantoms and Tigers and Georgian Su-25s have been striking targets North of the Supsa River and West of Kutaisi.  With F-14s flying top cover, F/A-18Cs from USS Carl Vinson and AV-8B Harriers from Tarawa and Saipan strike targets of opportunity in and around Poti.

06 April 1993 - Just after midnight, several strike packages of aircraft attack targets all over Abkhazia.  F-14s, F/A-18Cs, AV-8Bs from Task Force Khe Sanh; F-111Fs, F-15Es, F-117s, and Tornado IDSs from airbases in Turkey; all attack airfields, power stations, CCC positions, and anti-air emplacements.  In the early morning just before dawn, Hornets and Harriers strike anti-air and ground targets north of Poti, and continue for several hours.  As the sun rises, the 1st and 3rd Battalions, 6th Marines, land North of Poti and establish a beachhead.  At the same time, Georgian and Turkish tanks cross over the Supsa River.  The Goergian 25th Motor Rifle Brigade drives toward Poti, while the Turkish 12th Mechanized Bridge drives Northeast to cut highway E692.