A group of about 15 rebel militia members have escaped into Abkhaz-controlled territory from upper Kodori Gorge, Rustavi 2 television reported on August 4, quoting an Interior Ministry official.

Law enforcers reportedly found an abandoned militia camp in a forested area of upper Kodori Gorge in immediate proximity to Abkhaz-controlled territory.

According to Rustavi 2, Bacho Argvliani, nephew of wanted warlord Emzar Kvitsiani, was among the group that escaped.

The Georgian Interior Ministry announced that it is offering a GEL 100 000 (about USD 56 000) reward for valuable information leading to the capture of Kvitsiani and Argvliani.

Georgian officials say that Kvitsiani is now in Russia, but Moscow denies the allegation.