Abkhazia Marks 33rd Anniversary of the Liberation of Sukhum

SUKHUM / AQW'A — Abkhazia today marks the 33rd anniversary of the liberation of its capital, Sukhum, from Georgian forces on 27 September 1993, a decisive moment in the 1992–93 Georgian–Abkhaz war.

On that day, Abkhaz troops reached the city centre following an 11-day offensive. By 15:30, the flag of the Republic of Abkhazia had been raised above the Council of Ministers building, signalling the capture of the capital. The victory came at the cost of heavy losses.

The operation began on 16 September under the command of Defence Minister Major-General Sultan Sosnaliyev and Major-General Sergei Dbar, Chief of the General Staff of the Abkhaz Armed Forces.

Abkhaz fighters. 27 September 1993

Around 4,000 fighters were assembled along the western Gumista front, including motorised rifle units, battalions from the Gagra garrison and elements of a reserve regiment. At approximately 13:00 on the opening day, Abkhaz troops crossed the Gumista River near the lower bridge, while preparations continued for an advance on Sukhum from the north.

By 17 September, Abkhaz units had reached and blocked key roads leading towards the city centre. Forces advancing from the north linked up with other units as the offensive progressed. Strategic positions overlooking Sukhum, including Shroma, Kaman, Tsugurovka and Akhalsheni, came under Abkhaz control.

On 19 September, Abkhaz troops captured the former internal troops regiment headquarters in Achadara, which Georgian forces had been using as a defensive position. Over the following two days, Abkhaz units tightened their encirclement of the city.

Circassian volunteers under the command of Muaed Shorov at the building of the Council of Ministers in Sukhum. 27 September 1993.

Meanwhile, forces on the Eastern Front advanced to the Kodor River and shelled Sukhum airport, a key route for Georgian reinforcements. An attempt to bring additional Georgian forces into the city by sea on 22 September was also blocked, further restricting supply routes.

Abkhaz troops secured further positions inside Sukhum on 24 September. The following day, the Abkhaz flag was raised above the railway station, and Sukhum Mountain came under Abkhaz control. The advance culminated on 27 September, when troops reached the centre and took the Council of Ministers building.

On 27 September 1993, Abkhazian troops reached the centre of Sukhum; by 15:30 the flag of the Republic of Abkhazia fluttered over the building of the Council of Ministers, the capital of Abkhazia was liberated.

Over the next three days, Abkhaz forces advanced to the Ingur River, where they raised the Abkhaz flag on 30 September, a date celebrated in Abkhazia as Victory and Independence Day.

Sukhum Liberation Day commemorates those who lost their lives in the battle for the capital and the wider war.