clash with an Abkhaz subversive group which attempted to penetrate the Georgian-controlled area where the construction of a new road was underway. Two Abkhaz militiamen were killed, one wounded and six detained by the Georgian police unit. The Abkhaz leader, Sergei Bagapsh, had earlier warned that the de facto authorities reserved to themselves the right, to undertake measures at any time, to gain control of the Upper Kodori Valley. The same day, an armed clash between Russian peacekeepers and Abkhaz border guards left two dead. 2008 South Ossetia war - Soon after the start of the conflict, Abkhaz forces began the artillery bombardment of the Upper Kodori Gorge with the declared goal of pushing Georgian forces out of it. Georgian sources claimed Russian aircraft attacked Georgian-controlled villages in the valley. UNOMIG observers withdrew from the valley after Abkhazian authorities asked them to do so "for security reasons." On 12 August 2008, Abkhazian forces gained control of most of the Kodori Valley, previously controlled by Georgia. References Upper Abkhazia Valleys of Georgia (country)