Enguri Bridge to temporarily close from October 23 to 30, 2024

The de facto authorities of Russian-occupied Abkhazia have announced the temporary closure of the Enguri Bridge from October 23 to 30, 2024. The decision, made on October 18, is reportedly linked to concerns over potential provocations by radical groups during Georgia’s parliamentary election period, as well as illegal drone flights in border areas.

The de facto State Security Service of Abkhazia cited an incident on October 16, when joint patrols by Abkhaz and Russian FSB border units discovered a drone near the village of Bgoura (Kvemo Otobaia) in Gali district. According to their statement, the drone was filming the surroundings and military facilities, which they described as an “obvious provocation.”

Despite the closure, Enguri Hydroelectric Power Station employees, as well as Abkhazian citizens and residents with valid permits, will still be allowed to cross the bridge.

This move follows a similar decision by the occupation regime in Tskhinvali, which also recently closed the so-called border with Georgia.