Anatoly Bibilov sacked Ibragim Gazseev, the "defence minister" of South Ossetia. Russian general Viktor Fedorov, Gazseev's first deputy, was designated acting defence chief.

The expulsion comes as Bibilov has grown more irritated with Gazseev’s plan to run against him in the April 10 "presidential elections.

Bibilov explained his decision on February 26 by saying that "the military ministry should not be left without a head" while Gazseev is preoccupied with political matters.

Bibilov reportedly accused Gazseev of overstepping his authority and disregarding instructions.

Bibilov has also fired Gazseev’s deputy, Akhsar Gassiev, who oversaw personnel matters.

Meanwhile, interim military chief Fedorov has been entrusted by Bibilov to keep an eye on the dividing line between Georgia and the rest of the world.

The de-facto head of South Ossetia said that Georgian authorities had "concentrated equipment" near the occupied zone, but not in the seized region itself.

Fedorov is also expected to recall all officers from vacation, inventory properties, armament, and equipment, and seek aid from Russia's Defence Ministry, according to directives.