Tskhinvali, the capital of the South Ossetia region, saw an incursion by Georgian forces as part of the growing ethnic and political tensions in the area following the fall of the Soviet Union. The backdrop to this military action was a wave of nationalism and the push for independence that swept through several USSR territories in the early 1990s. The South Ossetians, who had their own distinct ethnic identity and aspirations for self-governance, opposed Tbilisi's authority, leading to rising hostilities between Georgian authorities and Ossetian separatists.

When Georgian military units entered Tskhinvali, it symbolized a significant escalation in conflict. Attempts at negotiations had failed, and both sides had accumulated arms and formed militias. The Georgian strategy aimed at reasserting control over the region, which had been a source of contention. As fighting broke out, the humanitarian situation deteriorated, with civilians caught in the crossfire.

The capture of Tskhinvali by Georgian forces shortly marked the beginning of the 1991–92 South Ossetia War, characterized by ethnic violence and territorial disputes. The conflict would continue for several months, resulting in significant casualties and displacement of people. This violent confrontation laid the groundwork for a protracted struggle over South Ossetia that would influence Georgian politics and its relationship with Russia for decades to come.