A Pentagon spokesperson stated that Russia had placed short-range SS-21 missiles in South Ossetia which could pose a threat to most major Georgian cities. Russia's deputy chief of staff however insisted that Russian troops were pulling out of the breakaway region. The SS-21’s 70-120 kms range puts them within striking distance of the Georgian capital, Tbilisi1.

• 1. “Defense Official: Russia has short range missiles in South Ossetia,” August 18, 2008, at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,405242,00.html