Georgia has lowered its national flags to half-mast across the country to commemorate the 17th anniversary of the 2008 Russo-Georgian War and honour those who lost their lives during Russia’s military intervention.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze signed a government decree ordering flags to be lowered at all administrative buildings throughout Georgian territory as a mark of respect for those killed during Russia’s large-scale military intervention aimed at the illegal occupation of Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions.

The presidential palace, parliament building, and government administration offices have all lowered their flags in remembrance of the fallen. Georgian diplomatic missions abroad have also lowered their flags in solidarity.

Nineteen employees of Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs were among those killed during the five-day conflict. In recognition of their sacrifice, flags have been lowered at all ministry buildings and police stations nationwide.

The Ministry of Defence and military bases throughout Georgia have also lowered their flags.

The August 2008 war claimed the lives of more than 400 people, with 2,232 individuals wounded, including 1,045 military personnel. On August 7, 2008, separatist forces commenced intense shelling of Georgian villages, prompting a response from Georgian forces. The following day, Russian occupation troops entered the region. As a result of Russia’s military aggression against Georgia, approximately 130,000 citizens became IDPs in their own country, numerous villages were destroyed, and the city of Gori, along with strategic facilities, were heavily bombed. Russia continues to occupy 20 per cent of Georgia’s territory to this day.