International recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia by and UN member states respectively, though Vanuatu withdrew its recognition of Abkhazia in 2013 as did Tuvalu of both in 2014. The two regions recognise each other, and also have some recognition from other non-UN member states. In May 2018, Syria recognised the independence of both breakaway territories. Georgia and the majority of countries of the world do not recognise them as independent. Georgia officially considers them to be sovereign territory of the Georgian state under Russian military occupation. South Ossetia declared independence from Georgia during the 1991–1992 South Ossetia War on 29 May 1992, with its Constitution referring
Armed Forces of South Ossetia Army (SOA). Training within the SOA is conducted by both experienced South Ossetic troops and members of the Russian VDV. In August 2009 the SOA and Russia reorganized the 4 Air Mobile Brigade, as a joint forces brigade, which would have an active Russian military base in South Ossetia. The Russian Airborne Troops are reported to have established an active military base outside of Java, South Ossetia and are reported to have trained SOA recruits since the summer of 2009. All uniforms are donated by the Russian Ground Forces, the tri-coloured "Flora" pattern is standard issue throughout the SOA. But