Russia trains its missiles on Tbilisi

Via AFP:

Russia trains its missiles on Tbilisi

RUSSIA has deployed several tactical missile launchers and supply vehicles to South Ossetia, putting the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, within their striking range, The New York Times reported on its website yesterday.

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Before Russian deputy chief of staff Colonel-General Anatoly Nogovitsyn claimed the withdrawal of Russian forces from Georgia had began last night, The New York Times cited US officials familiar with intelligence reports as saying the launching positions were located north of Tskhinvali, the South Ossetian capital.

Officials told the paper that SS-21 missile launchers, as well as supply vehicles, had driven south through the Roki Tunnel into South Ossetia in recent days and were deployed within range of much of Georgia, including its second-largest city, Kutaisi, and Tbilisi. Russian forces used the short-range ballistic missile in the Chechnya conflict, where it was believed to have caused significant civilian casualties.