August 2008 war heroes paid tribute at Mukhatgverdi Brothers Cemetery (Photo)

Those who died in the August 2008 war were paid tribute at Mukhatgverdi Brothers Cemetery in connection with the 18th anniversary of the Russia-Georgia war.

Family members of the heroes, President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Chairman Shalva Papuashvili, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, and representatives of the legislative and executive authorities visited the cemetery and laid a wreath at the memorial of heroes.

On August 7, 2008, separatists began intensive shelling of Georgian villages, which was followed by crossfire and the entry of Russian occupation forces on August 8. As a result of Russia’s war against Georgia, 411 people were killed, up to 130,000 people were displaced, villages were destroyed, and the city of Gori and strategic facilities were bombed. Twenty per cent of Georgian territory remains occupied by the Russian Federation.