BBC: Q&A: Violence in South Ossetia

Escalating tensions between Georgia and its breakaway province of South Ossetia have erupted into serious fighting.
The separatist administration in South Ossetia has been trying to gain formal independence since breaking away in a civil war in the 1990s.
Russia has troops in the region, on a peacekeeping mandate. But Moscow also supports the separatists.

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KEY STORIES
In pictures: Unrest in Georgia
Heavy fighting in South Ossetia
Russia vows to defend S Ossetia
South Ossetia evacuates children
US warns Russia over Georgia row
Russia army unit sent to Abkhazia

ANALYSIS AND BACKGROUND
Conflicting claims Russian and Georgian rivalry turns to conflict in South Ossetia
War fears
Caucasus on alert
Georgia's separatism woes
Q&A: Violence in South Ossetia
Profile: Georgia
Profile: South Ossetia
Profile: Abkhazia