EUMM Georgia reports temporary detention of patrol at ABL with occupied Abkhazia

The European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia, the only foreign mission observing activities along the Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), reported on Tuesday its patrol was temporarily detained by Russian-controlled occupation forces near the Abkhaz Administrative Boundary Line, in Georgia’s northeast.

EUMM noted the patrol was held while conducting a routine operation in the Khurcha area and the monitors were later released "unharmed and in good health”.

Expressing "deep concern" over the incident, EUMM condemned “any actions” that hindered its monitors from carrying out their mandate. 

These patrols are crucial for ensuring stability, transparency, and security in conflict-affected areas. Incidents like this undermine efforts to build confidence and prevent tensions”, the mission said, noting it had activated the hotline to communicate with “relevant actors” over the incident.

EUMM Georgia is an unarmed civilian mission established by the European Union on September 15, 2008, following the Russia-Georgia war. The mission is barred from operating in the Russian-occupied regions by both Russia and the de facto authorities.

The mission's four lines of operation include stabilisation, normalisation, confidence-building, and informing EU policy.