MOSCOW, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia said it had shot down two Georgian unmanned spy planes Monday, according to reports reaching here.

    The first reconnaissance drone was destroyed at 14:16 Moscow time (1016 GMT) and the second, about one hour later, Itar-Tass and Interfax reported, citing local defense officials.

    So far, the authority in the Black Sea strip has shot down seven Georgian unmanned spy planes.

    There was no immediate comment from Tbilisi on the incident.

    Separatists in Abkhazia declared independence following years of bloody conflict with Georgian government forces in the 1990s. An uneasy ceasefire has been monitored by peacekeepers from Russia.

    Tensions between Russia and Georgia have been escalating as Tbilisi accused Moscow of supporting Abkhazia and blocking Georgia's bid for NATO membership.