Two key bridges in Adjara – Choloki and Kakuti were reportedly blown up on May 2 at 1 pm, by the local authorities, hence destroying the only road links between the Autonomous Republic and the rest of Georgia.

Meanwhile, Georgian Defense Ministry wraps up its major military exercises in Poti, some 30 km away from Adjarian Autonomy on May 2. Georgian elite troops, air forces and heavy armor, as well as navy forces participated in the three-day long maneuvers, which is attended on May 2 by President Saakashvili.

Unofficial reports say that explosion of two major bridges in Adjara was caused by the fear of Adjarian authorities over possible incursion of armed forces into the region; whoever President Saakashvili, as well Georgian Defense Minister Gela Bezhuashvili denied earlier on May 2, that central authorities were planning use of armed forces in the restive region.

Reports say that troops loyal to Aslan Abashidze are on high alert in Adjarian capital Batumi. “Armed groups are already patrolling the streets of Batumi and more forces, loyal to Abashidze are dispatched at Choloki [administrative border between Adjara and rest of Georgia],” Eter Suladze, Batumi-based journalists of local newspaper Batumelebi told Civil Georgia on May 2.