Georgia marks 32 years since fall of Sokhumi

September 27 marks 32 years since the fall of Sokhumi, the decisive event of the 1992-1993 conflict in Abkhazia, which lasted 13 months and 13 days.

The war resulted in Georgia’s loss of control over Abkhazia, while the region declared so-called independence. The international community has since recognized the situation as the occupation of Georgian territory by the Russian Federation.

According to various estimates, more than 10,000 Georgians - both soldiers and civilians -were killed during the hostilities, while over 250,000 ethnic Georgians were forcibly displaced from their homes. The Abkhaz side reports approximately 3,500 deaths and nearly 2,000 wounded.

The conflict forced tens of thousands to abandon their homes and flee through the Caucasus mountains in search of safety, leaving deep humanitarian and political scars that remain unresolved to this day.