Russia Violates Georgian Airspace

Guide Note

On August 7, 2007, a Russian fighter jet allegedly violated Georgia's airspace and fired at a missile at the Georgian village of Tsitelubani. The missile did not detonate and no one was injured in the incident.

Fast Facts

1. The 2,200 pound missile left a 16-foot crater
2. Georgian officials detonated the missile under controlled conditions
3. Missile landed about 40 miles west of the Georgian capital of Tbilisi
4. Georgia accused Russia of violating its airspace in March of 2007
5. Relations between Russia and Georgia have been tense since the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union

Russian officials denied responsibility for the missile and accused Georgia of firing the missile in its own country in an attempt to stir up tensions.