Georgians among Islamists killed near Russian border

Georgia has admitted that at least two of 11 suspected Islamists killed in clashes last week were Georgians. Originally the Georgian government said they were all foreign extremists, who crossed from Russia's North Caucasus.

The government said the 11 were killed - along with three Georgian troops - during an operation to free hostages they were believed to be holding.

A BBC correspondent says there are fears the incident could increase tensions between Russia and Georgia.

Georgia's President Mikheil Saakashvili said on Thursday, the day after the clashes: "We understand quite well in whose interests it was, it can only be in the interests of our enemy."

Some observers suggested that was a reference to Russia (...)