Tensions have been escalating in the region since last week's shootout between Georgian and South Ossetian forces, in which one local was killed.
South Ossetian presidential envoy Dmitry Medoyev told RIA Novosti that the evacuation of local children "is a clear indication of preparations for a military invasion of South Ossetia. According to our information, since July 5 the Georgian military has evacuated around 300 children from its enclaves in Tamarasheni, Nuli, Eredvi and Kurta."
He said that South Ossetia has also taken precautions, sending children to recreation centers and health resorts in nearby countries and in Georgia's other rebel region, Abkhazia.
The envoy also said Georgia has been expanding its military presence on its border with South Ossetia.
"Georgian troops are covertly occupying empty buildings and equipping gun posts there. We are keeping an eye on the situation, but are not opening fire, as we have been ordered not to fall for provocations."
According to authorities in Tskhinvali, the capital of the rebel region, the Georgian side opened fire last Thursday using mortars, grenade launchers and small arms, targeting the South Ossetian capital and two villages, killing one person and wounding three.
Russia's Foreign Ministry called the attack an act of "open aggression" on the part of Georgia. However, Georgian police said they had returned fire after their outposts came under fire from South Ossetian villages.
South Ossetia declared its independence from Georgia following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, resulting in a bloody conflict that killed hundreds of people. The pro-Western Georgian leadership has said it is determined to bring the breakaway region, along with the rebel region of Abkhazia, back under Tbilisi's control.
