The interception of a Georgian drone near the border with the separatist region of Abkhazia has intensified tensions between the two sides. On October 18, the unrecognized Abkhazian Foreign Ministry announced that it would bring up the issue during the Geneva International Discussions, a platform established in 2008 to address the aftermath of the Russia-Georgia war and ongoing regional disputes, which are set to take place on November 5-6.

According to the Abkhazian State Security Service (SSB), the drone was detected on October 16 near the village of Bgoura, in the Gali district, an area under the control of the de-facto Abkhazian authorities but internationally recognized as part of Georgia. The joint patrols by the Abkhazian SSB and Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) in Abkhazia spotted the drone, which was allegedly filming military sites and the surrounding area. Using electronic warfare techniques, they successfully intercepted and brought the drone down.

The de-facto Abkhaz authorities claim the drone belonged to David Katsarava, a Georgian activist known for his leadership of the "anti-occupation movement," a group that opposes Russian and separatist illegal control over Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. 

In its statement, Abkhazia's de-facto Foreign Ministry condemned the incident as a "blatant provocation," accusing Georgia of heightening tensions despite its stated commitment to peaceful resolutions. The de-facto ministry emphasized that such incidents pose significant risks to stability and security in the already tense border zone.

The upcoming Geneva Discussions will likely see heated exchanges over the drone incident, which has become emblematic of the broader geopolitical struggle between Georgia, its breakaway regions, and Russia.