Recent attacks by Georgian forces against South Ossetian separatists dramatically escalated over the weekend as Russian forces entered the fray on the side of the rebels. Latest reports say Georgian troops have now left South Ossetian territory, a claim denied by Georgian military sources however Russian forces have refused calls for a cease fire and have broadened the conflict inside Georgia.

Georgian forces have completely withdrawn from Tskhinvali, the Russian military said Sunday, thereby confirming earlier accounts by Georgia that its forces had withdrawn from the city. But Tbilisi denied that its forces had completely pulled out of South Ossetia. [source]

Accusing Georgia of genocide against the breakaway republic, Russia has used the opportunity to pound the Georgian cities of Poti, Kutaisi and Gori along with the levelling of the South Ossetian capital of Tskhinvali.The attack has been the worst military engagement since the invasion by the former Soviet Union of Afghanistan in 1979.

Both sides are blaming each other for continuing attacks with Georgia saying targets have been hit by Russian forces in and around the capital Tbilisi, the BBC reports.