VIDEO. It is known what sparked the Georgian-Azerbaijani clashes

A new hotspot of tension may emerge in Georgia, affecting relations with neighboring Azerbaijan. In the small town of Dmanisi, after a fight broke out near a shop over domestic issues, hundreds of Georgians and local Azerbaijanis organized a real riot using baseball bats, iron rods, and stones. The situation stabilized only after the arrival of special forces from the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Dmanisi.

Georgia's Minister of Internal Affairs and the head of the State Security Service urgently arrived in the Kvemo Kartli region. Such clashes in Kvemo Kartli have only occurred once before, in 1989.

The events in Dmanisi began late Sunday evening following an incident at a small grocery store owned by a local Azerbaijani. Four Georgians (Svans) entered the store and demanded beer on credit from the Azerbaijani saleswoman. The saleswoman replied that she could not release the product without the owner's consent. Soon after, the Azerbaijani shopkeeper arrived at the scene. His conversation with the Georgians escalated into a brawl.

The Azerbaijanis were able to drive the Georgians away with the help of several relatives and friends. The Georgians left but soon returned with twenty of their relatives and friends. Those waiting inside the shop were armed with baseball bats.