Dramatic developments of the Russian 5 day war

Next, Georgian forces with the participation of tanks, artillery, anti-aircraft missiles, aircraft, warships of all kinds… organized 6 attacks to break through the defenses of South Ossetia, capturing one high scores around the capital Tskhinvali, attacking Russian peacekeepers.

Georgian soldiers fighting in 2008. Photo: History.com

Georgia’s decision to launch a military offensive into South Ossetia is to re-establish control of this breakaway province, drive Russian peacekeepers out of the area, and open the way for US-NATO forces to enter and threaten Abkhazia. and forced Russia to give up its intention to help Abkhazia claim independence, creating conditions for NATO to quickly admit Georgia.

By 5:45 p.m. on August 8, Georgia controlled the entire capital of Tskhinvali and the surrounding area.

In response, Russia mobilized its sea, land, and air forces to coordinate with South Ossetian and Abkhazia armed forces units to carry out the “Peace coercion” operation in response to Georgia’s military actions, asserting its strength. Russia’s military presence in the region, protect Russian citizens, and prevent the US and the West’s intention to accelerate the process of admitting Georgia into NATO.

A convoy of Russian military vehicles crosses a mountain towards the site of fighting between Georgian troops and South Ossetian separatists August 9, 2008. Photo: history.com

The counter-offensive campaign of the Russian army was conducted in two directions: South Ossetia (6 attacks) and Abkhazia (4 attacks). Before the pre-emptive attack of the Russian army, on the afternoon of August 11, 2008, Georgian President Saakashvili had to sign a cease-fire document, announce the withdrawal of troops from South Ossetia and be ready to sign an agreement not to use force.

On August 12, the Russian side announced: “Russia’s military operation to force the Georgian government to accept peace has been achieved, the security of civilians and Russian peacekeepers in South Ossetia has been achieved. restored”.

The 5-day war caused significant losses to both sides in terms of people and vehicles. In general, the Georgian army has made significant progress in tactics, especially in urban warfare. The use of special reconnaissance forces, electronic warfare systems .. has been effective, causing difficulties for Russia’s communication and electronic warfare systems. The technical weapons used by Georgia in this conflict are mostly high-tech weapons.

However, Georgia failed and suffered heavy losses due to inaccurate forecasts of the extent of Russia’s military response, causing its offensive plan to fail quickly and severely.

Georgian soldiers move in civilian vehicles after their armored vehicles were destroyed near Gori on August 11, 2008. Photo: history.com

Georgia has not yet organized an effective air defense network; weapons are mainly dependent on foreign countries; the construction and arrangement of barricades at the defense lines is not done well; poorly organized mobilization of forces, cooperation in combat and assurance; failure to keep secret combat operations; The Russian Air Force could not predict the possibility of air strikes deep into the territory, so they were surprised… As a result, the Georgian army quickly fell into panic, leading to loss of combat strength.

Russia had foreseen the intention of Georgia’s military offensive in South Ossetia and had prepared for the conflict. This is an unprecedented war in terms of mobility of forces and means of the Russian army in such a short time since the dissolution of the Soviet Union (1991).

The use of strong attacks by the airborne units to surprise the enemy’s rear contributed to the early end of the war. In particular, the Russian diversionary tricks made the Georgian staff completely surprised in terms of strategy, operation and tactics.

However, the Russian army’s large-scale combat skills were not yet mature. Russia has only used a part of modern high-tech weapons, so it has not been able to promote its strength in combat. The intelligence system has not provided timely movement and placement of Georgian forces.

The system of fire control equipment is outdated, so it does not use bombs, bullets, and guided missiles with high accuracy. The electronic warfare system has not yet suppressed Guzia’s electronic and communication systems. This shows that the Russian army at that time was not ready for war with high-tech weapons.

Nguyen Phong

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