A shootout resumed between the rebel Monadire militia group and government forces after warlord Emzar Kvitsiani and his associates refused to surrender, Rustavi 2 television reported.

Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili set an ultimatum to Kvitsiani earlier on July 26 to surrender in four hours, which was declined by the militia men.

Rustavi 2 television also reported that a helicopter of Russian peacekeeping troops landed in the militia-controlled area to provide rebels with food, but has failed to fly back as the Georgian side threatens to down it.