Did Russia Fire SS-26s at Georgia?

Update: It has become clear to me that the Iskander is a modified SS-26 that should have a different SS-number. See the testimony of DIA Director Maples.

Anya Loukianova, blogging at Total Wonkerr observes that the Georgian Interior Ministry claims Russia launched conventionally-armed SS-26 “Iskander” missiles into Georgia. She also posted a link to the Russian denial.

Shota Utiashvili, Head of the Analytical Department at the Georgian Interior Ministry, shows photographs purporting to document debris from three Iskander (SS-26) missiles. (The original link to the press briefing was hard to find, so I uploaded it to YouTube.)

The Interior Ministry also released 23 images to back up the assertion — although I have to say that the debris doesn’t look to me like it came particularly from an SS-26. The debris is clearly Russian ordnance of some sort, although it could equally well be from conventionally-armed SS-21s the White House claims Russia used. (The White House said two, David Fulgham at Aviation Leak said at least 15.)

But I wouldn’t know an SS-26 if, well, its flaming debris fell on me. So, that’s where you come in, my friends.

Have a look at the images and tell me what you think:

[1], [2] Drawing and stock image of Iskander missile system

[3] A car in Gori crushed by debris. (Maybe a portion of a conventionally-armed SS-21?)

[4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10] Three pieces of debris near the oil pipeline.

[11], [12], [13] Two pieces of debris in Gori.

[14], [15], [16], [17] One piece of spherical debris in a field.

[18], [19], [20] A piece of flaming debris.

[21], [22], [23] Images of one or more craters.

You can post in the comments or, if your employer might frown at that sort of activity, drop me a line at armscontrolwonk [at] gmail.com.