Georgia: Russians Move Into Gori, Explosions Heard

GORI, Georgia — At least five explosions have been heard near Gori as a Russian withdrawal from the key Georgian city appears to have broken down.

It could not immediately determined if the blasts were renewed fighting between Georgian and Russian forces. They sounded similar to mortar shells and occurred not long after a tense confrontation between Russian and Georgian troops on the edge of the city on Thursday.

Georgia earlier said the Russians were leaving Gori, but later alleged the Russians were bringing additional troops into the city.

Georgian officials who had gone into the city for the possible handover left unexpectedly around midday, followed by the checkpoint confrontation that ended when Russian tanks hurried to the scene and the Georgians backed off.