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Battle of Sukhumi
Part of War in Abkhazia

Destroyed building of the Supreme Council of Abkhazia
Date16–27 September 1993
Location
Sukhumi, Abkhazia, Georgia
Result Abkhaz victory
Belligerents
 Abkhazia
Confederation of Mountain Peoples of the Caucasus
Kuban Cossack Military Society [ru]
Russia Russian 345th Independent Guards Airborne Regiment		  Georgia
Commanders and leaders
Abkhazia Vladislav Ardzinba
Abkhazia Sultan Sosnaliev
Abkhazia Sergei Dbar
Shamil Basayev
Nikolay Pusko		 Georgia (country) Eduard Shevardnadze
Georgia (country) Zhiuli Shartava  †
Georgia (country) Giorgi Karkarashvili
Georgia (country) Geno Adamia  †
Casualties and losses
300 killed, 2,000 wounded[1]

The Battle of Sukhumi was fought between Georgian forces and the Abkhaz separatists during the War in Abkhazia.

Background

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July ceasefire

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Sukhumi was a Georgian-majority (42%) city and the capital of Georgia's Abkhazian Autonomous Republic, which was an epicenter of the 12-month long war between the Georgian government forces and Abkhaz separatists, which were based in the city of Gudauta as they recieved the support of the local Russian military base there. During the July offensive, the Georgian-held Sukhumi became a center of fighting as the separatists attempted to capture the city. On 27 July 1993, Georgia and Abkhaz separatists signed a Russian-brokered ceasefire agreement to end the 12-month long conflict. The agreement banned the use of aircraft, artillery and naval vessels in the conflict zone as well as prohibiting the introduction of new troops or ammunition into Abkhazia.[2] Russia was a guarantor of ceasefire and on 29 July Russian troops arrived to Abkhazia to separate sides, being stationed in and around Georgian-held Sukhumi.[3] Georgia withdrew most of its troops and heavy artillery from the region as per the agreement, leaving only a small contingent.[4][5] Many displaced civilians returned to Sukhumi, and all schools were re-opened on September 1. The normal life resumed in the city. The civilians were asked to return by the Georgian leader Eduard Shevardnadze.[6]

Georgian Civil War

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Map of Georgia

The failure of Eduard Shevardnadze to regulate the conflict in Abkhazia strengthened the popularity of the former President Zviad Gamsakhurdia. Several battalions in Sukhumi and Gali declared that they were withdrawing their allegiance from the Shevardnadze and joining Gamsakhurdia's forces after the "shameful" ceasefire agreement signed by Shevardnadze, which provided for withdrawal of armed forces from Abkhazia.[7] This led to the intensification of the Georgian Civil War, which had been fought since December 1991 military coup between the forces of the ousted Georgian President Zviad Gamsakhurdia and the post-coup government of Eduard Shevardnadze. On 25 August, the Gamsakhurdia's forces used a transmitter to cut into a television broadcast to urge an uprising against Eduard Shevardnadze.[8] On 28 August 1993, the troops of Loti Kobalia, the commander of Gamsakhurdia's forces during his exile to Chechnya, advanced from their base in Zugdidi and captured three towns in Mingrelia (western Georgia): Abasha, Khobi and Senaki. Shevardnadze responded by massing his troops to stop Gamsakhurdia's forces from further advance. They braced near seaport Poti. Shevardnadze issued an appeal to Gamsakhurdia's forces, telling them to surrend or face "grave consequences".[9] On 7 September, Kobalia's troops advanced into Abkhazia and captured the town of Gali from Shevardnadze.[10] On 9 September, negotiations began between Gamsakhurdia loyalists and Shevardnadze's government in Batumi. Shevardnadze's government, represented by a delegation led by Green Party leader Zurab Zhvania, offered to open talks on a new constitution for the republic, to be followed by a referendum and new elections, while Gamsakhurdia loyalists argued for a recognition of Zviad Gamsakhurdia as a legitimate ruler of Georgia alongside Shevardnadze's existing administration. The talks ultimately broke down on 11 September and Shevardnadze announced his plan to introduce a state of emergency in Georgia.[11]

On 13 September, Shevardnadze proposed a state of emergency to Parliament of Georgia and its resignation for three months. Shevardnadze issued his program, proposing banning rallies, curtailing all political activity, and censoring mass media. In response, MP Jaba Ioseliani, the Mkhedrioni leader and one of Shevardnadze's allies, charged him with attempting to establish "a dictatorship by Communist methods".[12] On 14 September, Eduard Shevardnadze abruptly resigned, which was followed by a rally in his support in Tbilisi. The Parliament then decided to approve his request on state of emergency, but to put off a decision on its own dissolution, which Shevardnadze had cited as a precondition for him to get back to his position. Shevardnadze was personally endorsed by the patriarch of Georgian Orthodox Church, Illia II.[13][14]

Shortly after midnight, taking advantage of disarray in Tbilisi, Loti Kobalia's troops attacked government troops. On 15 September, the fighting concentrated on the railroad-highway intersection near the village of Japana. Shevardnadze flew to the Western region. Shevardnadze told his opponents not to continue attack, telling them: "Do you really think we have no force?". He told the Georgian parliament that his troops were ready to counterattack. The Georgian parliament ultimately decided to accept Shevardnadze's proposal to dissolve itself, and from 20 September the Emergency Council of 5 was set to take control of the affairs in the country.[15]

Battle

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On 16 September, the Abkhaz separatists broke the 27 July agreement and launched an offensive on Sukhumi. They launched a landing of an amphibious force of several hundred fighters in the Ochamchira district, to the south of Sukhumi, cutting down Georgian communication lines and besieging the city. The assault on Sukhumi followed from the direction of "Gumista front". Separatists had a considerable advantage in firepower because Georgia had removed its heavy artillery from Abkhazia in August.[16]

On 17 September, Eduard Shevardnadze issued an appeal to Russian President Boris Yeltsin, saying that he was trying "to defend the city with naked hands". At least five civilians reportedly were killed in the fighting as Abkhazian tanks entered Sukhumi.[17] Shevardnadze made an appeal, saying "I appeal to all men with guns to go to defend Sukhumi". Reports indicated that Gamsakhurdia loyalists joined the government forces to fight separatists.[18] The United Nations Security Council issued a statement, calling separatists to fulfill their commitment to the cease-fire and resume the UN-endorsed peace process. US President Bill Clinton sent letters to Russian President Boris Yeltsin and Georgian leader Eduard Shevardnadze to express his "strong support for Shevardnadze's efforts bring peace to Georgia". The letter also noted American support for Georgian territorial integrity and condemnation of the military offensive.[19]

On 17 September, a confidential meeting was held between Georgian leader Eduard Shevardnadze and Russian Minister of Defence Pavel Grachev in Adler. Grachev proposed to station 2 Russian divisions to Sukhumi to secure peace, although the Georgian side refused. The Georgian Minister of Defence Gia Karkarashvili and a head of Informational-Intelligence Departament Irakli Batiashvili went categorically against such arrangement, and Shevardnadze agreed with them that the introduction of Russian divisions to Sukhumi would have meant "occupation of the city by Russia".[20]

On 19 September, late at night, Itar-Tass reported that a ceasefire agreement was reached in Sochi between Abkhazian officials, Russia and Georgia. It called for warring sides to pull out from Sukhumi within 24 hours, lift blockade of supplies and continue a mutually agreed withdrawal. However, later Itar-Tass reported that no agreement was reached and negotiations would continue next day.[21] Earlier that day fierce fighting was reported in the city. Abkhazian separatists fired artillery shells into Sukhumi.[22] Shevardnadze appealed for international help and Russia promised to cut trade, electricity and arms traffic flowing from Russia to Abkhazia.[23] Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin said on 19 September that Russia would refuse to grant Abkhazia special trade terms and financial credits. He also said Russian costume officers and troops would monitor efforts to prevent weapons to be transferred from southern Russia to Georgia.[24]

On 20 September, a heavy fighting continued in Sukhumi. Russian Defence Minister Pavel Grachev returned to Moscow from Abkhazia and said that the introduction of a peacekeeping force would be impossible because of heavy fighting. Grachev said that Shevardnadze agreed on sending Russian peacekeeping force to Abkhazia, despite earlier describing it as an "occupation".[25] An attempt to renegotiate a ceasefire broke down. A campaign began in Georgia to donate jewelry and money for the gun-buying campaign. The state of emergency came into effect. Before that, a demonstration was held in Georgia, appealing to Russia to intervene and uphold Russian-brokered ceasefire. Russian Defense Minister Pavel Grachev said that both parties were to blame and urged Georgia to withdraw from Abkhazia as per ceasefire plan.[26] Separatists called on Georgia to surrender Sukhumi, saying that further resistance was "useless". Abkhazian spokeswoman said they had captured Sukhumi's northern and western suburbs. Shevardnadze had called Yeltsin to intervene, but he did not take a call, according to Shevardnadze’s adviser Levan Mikeladze.[27] In a bloody house-to-house attack, Georgian troops beat back separatists in a bloody house-to-house fighting. Georgia's Abkhazian governer Zhiuli Shartava said that the city was shelled from land and sea and sustained heavy damage. Early on 20 September, Shevardnadze made a deal with Gamsakhurdia loyalists to come to aid the defense of Sukhumi, although they reportedly were unable to break through.

Shevardnadze's appeal read:

Now, when the actions of the anti-people forces have joined in a single stream even in Georgia, the "spontaneous" undermining of the Sochi agreement, as they say in Gudauta, and the actions of some of the highest-ranking Russian military officials and the policy of the Russian parliament gives us the right to assert that we are dealing with a well-coordinated and synchronized joint attack. I want the world to know: Abkhazia is the battlefield of the empire's bloody revenge, it is "the second August", the gunpowder barrel with which they want to blow up not only Shevardnadze's Georgia, but also Yeltsin's Russia. On September 3, 1992, we signed the summary document in Moscow. Before the ink had dried on the paper, this document was trampled with the boots of the mercenaries who stormed the unarmed Gagra. On May 14, 1993, we agreed on a ceasefire, but Sukhumi again became the object of attack, both from the land, sea and air, and in Ochamchire region, the landing forces armed from head to toe were dispatched, and the city [Sukhumi] was blockaded. Finally, we trusted the Russian peacekeeping mission, its role as a guarantor and mediator, on July 27, 1993, we made an agreement and received betrayal again... cannons still fired and the militants attacked, who were supposed to be disarmed, and we only have to say that the guarantor of the ceasefire was either unwilling or unable to be a guarantor. A constructive negotiation in itself was disavowed by the statements of some subordinates of the Russian Defense Minister and the decision of the Russian Parliament. So far, the resolution of the UN Security Council has not brought any positive results. And yet, I appeal again to Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin, the United Nations Security Council and Mr. Boutros Gali, the entire progressive democratic Russia, the entire world community: do not allow a terrible crime, stop the punishment of a small country, save my people from being burned at the stake of imperial reaction.[28]

On 21 September, a Georgian passenger plane was shot down in Sukhumi with a heat-seeking missile fired from the boat. Tupolev Tu-134 was carrying a number of journalists trying to cover the events. It was flying from Sochi to Sukhumi. The meeting was supposed to be held in Sochi, although Georgian officials did not attend it. Shevardnadze described the shooting as "barbarism". Separatists claimed to control of the city's television tower, but Shevardnadze managed to deliver several televised appeals from his bunker in an administrative building of Sukhumi. The shelling of Sukhumi increased. Sukhumi had been without running water and electricity for five days after a beginning of a siege. The electricity was cut off by Russia. The only place to receive electricity was government headquarters in Sukhumi through a generator. Abkhazians claimed they had advanced to within 500 yards of the sea in Sukhumi, although Georgian Defence Ministry spokesman said they repelled separatist attempts to break through city defences.[29]

On 22 September, another plane was shot down, 80 people died. The plane was carrying relief supplies. The Tupolev Tu-154 exploded while landing in Sukhumi.[30]

On 23 September, a third plane was shot down in Sukhumi. The refugees were boarding the plane to leave the city when the attack happened. However, Shevardnadze said that he was optimistic because he had information that reinforcements were to arrive in few hours.[31] It was suspected that Russian military in Gudauta had supplied the weapons to Abkhaz separatists.[32]

On early 24 September, joint Georgian forces broke through the Abkhazian lines and entered Sukhumi, according to a Georgian television.[33] Shevardnadze urged "everyone with a gun" to come to defend Sukhumi. Gamsakhurdia returned to Georgia from Chechnya, landing in Senaki. He went to Zugdidi and told his supporters on a rally to go to help defenders of Sukhumi. Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Boris Pastukhov blamed separatists for renewing the fighting, describing the shelling of passenger airlines as "barbarous actions which it is impossible to justify". Pastukhov also blamed Russia and the United Nations for failing to send peacekeeping troops to Abkhazia before the renewal of fighting.[34] At dawn, separatists punctured through the outer city defenses, ending a two-day stall in assault.[35]

On 25 September, Abkhazians reached the city center. The Russians sent two boats - backed by gunboats and air support - at Georgia's request to pick up Georgian and Russian refugees as the air evacuation was stopped following attacks on airplanes.[36] The boats arrived to Gulripshi, a small port between Sukhumi and its airport. Panick was raging in Sukhumi, including among some troops. The United States condemned Abkhazian offensive and reiterated support for Shevardnadze. 3,300 people were evacuated to Poti from Sokhumi by Russian ships, 6,000 were awating evacuation.[37][38] Intense fighting continued. Around 500 Gamsakhurdia loyalists were on their way to Sukhumi, but they were bogged down in a fight with a separatist force in Akhaldaba. Gamsakhurdia said that he would support Shevardnadze's forces in the fight against separatists for the sake of the nation, but also said that he would not relinquish his claim on power and called Shevardnadze to resign and hand over power to a legitimate government.[39]

On 26 September, Abkhazians overran the city. They were advancing towards Shevardnadze's headquarters, which were defended by 25 armed body guards. Diplomats and journalists who had contacts with Abkhazians reported that they had received a substantial Russian support, as Russian troops served as pilots, advisers and ground troop.[40] Separatists were controlling television tower and railroad station, they were firing from their artillery positions in the northern hills. Hundreds of Georgian reinforcements arrived, crossing the river. Gamsakhurdia's supporters made up most of the reinforcement troops, although most of the column was blocked by Abkhazians. Western part of Sukhumi was controlled by Abkhazian separatists. Shevardnadze said extra-forces were not enough.[41]

On 27 September, Abkhazian separatists swept through the city center. Shevardnadze and his allies left Sukhumi. Shevardnadze issued a statement, saying that Russian imperialist forces staged the capture of Sukhumi. He was believed to be in Gulripshi. Western diplomats raised concerns over Russian involvement, saying that Russian hardliners were using Abkhazia as a proxy to challenge Georgia's independence. The diplomats said that American President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Warren Christopher had taken personal interest in the matter, although it was unlikely that they would pressure Russia because of political instability there.[42] In a statement after the fall of Sukhumi, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it "categorically denies all accusations of involvement by the Russian Federation and its armed forces in the last outbreak of bloody clashes in Abkhazia." The statement said Russia had made "persistent efforts" to stop the fighting.[43]

On 28 September, Shevardnadze left Abkhazia. He said Georgia must get Sukhumi back. "If this generation is unable to do so, the next generation will do it anyway", he said.[44] Shevardnadze was evacuated with his TU-134 jet. He said the fall of Sokhumi was a major blow and that he was ready to resign.[45]

On 29 September night, Georgian troops abandoned Sukhumi airport. On 30 September, Abkhazians push into Ochamchire.[46] Georgian troops fled to Gali.[47] However, It was also captured by separatists.[48]

Shevardnadze arrived to Tbilisi, where he told reporters: "When the Soviet empire was broken, East Europe was set free. The West won millions of dollars. But now the West doesn't care much about the former republics of the Soviet Union. They forget who helped them destroy the empire". The Independent reported about Western powers: "Lacking vital commercial or strategic interest in the region, they are unwilling to risk any military or other support that might upset the balance of power in Moscow against Boris Yeltsin".[49]

A joint force on behalf of both Gamsakhurdia and Shevardnadze clashed with separatists around Ochamchira. Georgian Defense Ministry said that they had entered Ochamchire and there were street battles.[50][51]

The failure to stop an offensive and the fall of Sukhumi discredeted Russia as a neutral peacekeeper internationally.[52]

The fall of Sukhumi was accompanied by extensive brutality against Georgian civilians, which forces around 200 000 Georgians to flee the region as the Abkhaz separatists continued their offensive. Their houses were claimed by Abkhazians as the prize properties.[53]

References

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  1. ^ "Besieged Georgia City Reinforced But the Intense Fighting Continues". New York Times. 1993-07-28. Retrieved 2023-09-27.
  2. ^ "Georgia and Separatist Region Sign a Truce". New York Times. 1993-07-28. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  3. ^ "Russian Troops in Georgia to Monitor Cease-fire". Buffalo News. 1993-08-01. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  4. ^ "Georgian leader flees from rebels". Washington Post. 1993-09-28. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  5. ^ "Shevardnadze: 'Save my homeland and my people'". Tampa Bay News. 1993-09-20. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  6. ^ Shevardnadze Eduard, Thoughts on Past and Future, , p. 121
  7. ^ Cheterin Vicken, War and Peace in the Caucasus, Hust and Company, London, 2008, p. 200
  8. ^ "Mixed signals". The Independent. 1993-08-25. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  9. ^ "Troops massed". The Independent. 1993-08-29. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  10. ^ "Ousted president's supporters capture another Georgian town". United Press International. 1993-09-07. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  11. ^ "Georgian leader to impose state of emergency". United Press International. 1993-09-11. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  12. ^ "Threat to Quit Gets Georgia to Declare Emergency: Caucasus: Leader Eduard Shevardnadze tenders resignation during televised legislative session". Washington Post. 1993-09-15. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  13. ^ "Shevardnadze steps down – Perhaps". Washington Post. 1993-09-14. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  14. ^ "Shevardnadze offers resignation in fight with Georgia parliament". The New York Times. 1993-09-15. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  15. ^ "Shevardnadze, Reclaiming Job, Appeals to Rebels". The New York Times. 1993-09-16. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  16. ^ "GEORGIAN LEADER FLEES FROM REBELS". Washington Post. 1993-09-28. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  17. ^ "Georgia issues appeal". Tampa Bay Times. 1993-09-17. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  18. ^ "Georgia Truce Collapses in Secessionist Attack on Black Sea Port". New York Times. 1993-09-19. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  19. ^ "Clinton backs Shevardnadze". UPI. 1993-09-20. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  20. ^ Papaskiri 2007, pp. 414–415.
  21. ^ "Separatists Firing on a Georgian city". New York Times. 1993-09-20. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  22. ^ "New Summery". New York Times. 1993-09-20. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  23. ^ "Warring sides in Georgia ok a ceasefire". Deseret News. 1993-09-20. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  24. ^ "Shevardnadze: "Save my homeland and my people'". Deseret News. 1993-09-20. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  25. ^ "Georgian Troops Fight Off Rebels in Separatist Province". Los Angeles Times. 1993-09-20. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  26. ^ "Heavy fighting continues in western Georgia". UPI. 1993-09-20. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  27. ^ "ABKHAZIAN REBELS IN GEORGIA CLOSE TO TAKING PROVINCE'S CAPITAL". Washington Post. 1993-09-21. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  28. ^ Newspaper "Republic of Georgia", N207 (735), 21 September 1993 (in Georgian)
  29. ^ "Plane Is Downed Off Georgia". New York Times. 1993-09-22. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  30. ^ "Showdown in Moscow; 80 are reported killed in downing of 2nd jet in Georgia". New York Times. 1993-09-23. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  31. ^ "Rebels shoot 3rd airplane". Tampa Bay Times. 1993-09-24. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  32. ^ "SEPTEMBER 19-25: Croatia and Abkhazia; Ex-Communist Weapons In Post-Communist Strife". New York Times. 1993-09-26. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  33. ^ "Rebels shoot 3rd airplane". New York Times. 1993-09-24. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  34. ^ "Ousted president returns to war-torn Georgia". UPI. 1993-09-24. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  35. ^ "GEORGIANS, REBELS BATTLE IN STREETS". Washington Post. 1993-09-24. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  36. ^ "REFUGEES FLEE GEORGIAN CITY BY BOAT AS REBELS CLOSE IN". Washington Post. 1993-09-25. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  37. ^ "Panic in Streets as Rebels Enter Georgian City". Los Angeles Times. 1993-09-26. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  38. ^ "Panic in Streets as Rebels Enter Georgian City". Washington Post. 1993-09-26. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  39. ^ "Fighting Intensifies For a Besieged City In Caucasus Region". New York Times. 1993-09-26. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  40. ^ "REBELS OVERRUN GEORGIAN CITY". Washington Post. 1993-09-26. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  41. ^ "Besieged Georgia City Reinforced But the Intense Fighting Continues". New York Times. 1993-09-27. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  42. ^ "GEORGIAN LEADER FLEES FROM REBELS". Washington Post. 1993-09-28. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  43. ^ "In Crushing Blow to Georgia, City Falls to Secessionists". New York Times. 1993-09-28. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  44. ^ "SHEVARDNADZE VOWS TO AVENGE DEFEAT". Washington Post. 1993-09-28. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  45. ^ "SHEVARDNADZE VOWS TO AVENGE DEFEAT". Buffalo News. 1993-09-28. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  46. ^ "ABKHAZIAN REBELS CAPTURE SEAPORT; GEORGIAN TROOPS FLEE". Buffalo News. 1993-09-30. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  47. ^ "ABKHAZIAN REBELS CAPTURE SEAPORT; GEORGIAN TROOPS FLEE". Deseret News. 1993-10-01. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  48. ^ "Rebels take control of Abkhazia: Shevardnadze's humiliation deepens as Georgian collapse into civil war edges closer". The Independent. 1993-09-30. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  49. ^ "Rebels take control of Abkhazia: Shevardnadze's humiliation deepens as Georgian collapse into civil war edges closer". The Independent. 1993-09-30. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  50. ^ "Rebels take control of Abkhazia". The Independent. 1993-10-01. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  51. ^ "Rebels take control of Abkhazia". Tampa Bay Times. 1993-09-28. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  52. ^ "REFUGEES FLEE GEORGIAN CITY BY BOAT AS REBELS CLOSE IN". Washington Post. 1993-09-26. Retrieved 2023-02-10.
  53. ^ "Atrocities Reported After Rebel Victory in Georgia". Washington Post. 1993-10-22. Retrieved 2023-02-10.

Sources

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