The Battle of Gumista was a battle between Georgian armed forces and Abkhaz separatists. It was the bloodiest clash of the Abkhaz–Georgian conflict and the War in Abkhazia. It was held on March 15–16, 1993 along 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) of the banks of the Gumista River.

Battle of Gumista
Part of War in Abkhazia (1992–1993)
Date16 March 1993
Location
Result

Georgian victory

Belligerents

Abkhazia Abkhazia

Confederation of Mountain Peoples of the Caucasus
Supported by:

 Russia

 Georgia

Commanders and leaders
Abkhazia Vladimir Arshba
Abkhazia Sergei Dbar
Sultan Sosnaliyev
Shamil Basayev
Gena Kardanov 
Georgia (country) Tengiz Kitovani
Georgia (country) Giorgi Karkarashvili
Georgia (country) Geno Adamia
Strength
8,000 men
40 units of armored vehicles
Russian aviation
2,500 men
20 units of armored vehicles
Casualties and losses
1,000+ killed
2,000 wounded
300 killed
400 wounded

Background

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In early 1993, Abkhazian separatists controlled half of the autonomous republic of Abkhazia and, after strengthened their positions after opening the border with Russia, the separatists shifted their focus to capturing Sukhumi. To organize themselves, they established a Ministry of Defense on 10 October 1992.[1] Mercenaries, including the Bagramyan Battalion, a terrorist unit composed predominantly of ethnic Armenian, joined the Abkhazian Armed Forces.Tan, Andrew (2006). Politics of Terrorism A Survey (1st ed.). Routledge. The Abkhazians secured a significant ammunition supply and manpower from various regions, including receiving help from the Middle East. Together with Caucasian separatists and Russian military units, they prepared for a major assault on Sukhumi.[1]

Battle

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On March 16, 1993, the Russian Air Force attacked Georgian battalions along the Gumista River at 3:00 a.m. They dropped bombs as part of a separatist plan aimed at causing casualties and panic. Abkhazian infantry units launched an attack at 5:00 a.m. Russian planes illuminated the area, and a massive eight-kilometer attack began. The Georgian 23rd brigade defended various positions.[2]

The main focus was near the railway station and Atchadara, where intense hand-to-hand combat took place. Despite initial success, the Abkhazian assault eventually failed, and they retreated around 15:00, leaving Gumista free from Abkhazian forces.[2]

The Abkhazians suffered many casualties, leading to panic among their ranks. However, the Georgian side did not counterattack, and this victory remained just one episode in the war.[3]

References

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Sources on internet

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