Russian troops hold military drills on the Black Sea coast of Georgia's breakaway republic of Abkhazia Tuesday.

The drills started last Friday

The drills comes as tension grows in the region following Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region.

Russian news agencies, citing a military press service, said the main objective of the drills is to hold maneuvers at quote an "unknown terrain on the sea coast."

Russia has held several military drills during months of political upheaval in Ukraine. Some have brought large Russian forces close to Ukraine's eastern border, adding to concerns of an invasion after President Vladimir Putin secured permission from parliament to send in troops to protect Russians citizens and interests if needed.

Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia after waging a five-day war with Georgia in August 2008. Georgia and most other countries do not recognize it as an independent state.