Georgians take separatist villages

Reports last night of Georgian troops seizing Tskhinvali were premature, though information continues to suggest that there is fighting in the de facto secessionist capital.

Georgian forces have seized a number of villages controlled by South Ossetian separatists for the last 16-17 years.

The Georgian government says Russian warplanes have bombed Georgian territory, but without causing casualties. There is not yet any indication that Russian peacekeepers, which had publicly warned of defending the South Ossetians in any combat, are engaging Georgian troops.