Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili said on September 29 that Russian military are undertaking certain measures around the Georgian borders, as well as in the Russian military base in Akhalkalaki, as part of its intimidation efforts.

“The Russian Federation plans large-scale navy maneuvers on the Black Sea. At the same time, Russia’s 58th Army which is deployed in North Ossetia is being mobilized and there is information that [the Army] is removing in direction of Georgia. In addition, certain movements are being noticed on the Russian military base in Akhalkalaki [southern Georgia]. I can not understand why Russia needs this kind of moves,” Merabishvili said.

He also noted that this is part of threats Russia is resorting in response to arrest of its four military officers accused of spying against Georgia.