Russian warning follows Georgia detentions

MOSCOW, June 19 (UPI) -- Further detention of Russian peacekeepers by Georgian police could eventually cause "bloodshed," a Russian General Staff official said Thursday.

General Staff deputy head Lt. Gen. Alexander Burutin said while the detained peacekeepers have been released, the incident has strained the patience of Russian officials, RIA Novosti reported.

"The consequences might be extremely serious, such as bloodshed," Burutin said of Russia's potential response to additional detentions.

The Russian official said Tuesday's detention of the peacekeepers on suspicion of weapons smuggling was completely unwarranted.

"Under the circumstances, the Russian peacekeepers had the complete right to use their weapons and ammunition, to defend themselves and their equipment," he said.

Meanwhile, the head of the Georgian Interior Ministry's analytical department told RIA Novosti that 35 crates of weapons and munitions seized at the same time as the peacekeepers wouldn't be returned until a thorough investigation can take place.