Bosnia Peacekeeping Deployment Delayed Due to Weather

Strategic Insights -

The much-anticipated deployment of the NATO peacekeeping force in Bosnia has been delayed due to harsh weather conditions. The region is experiencing heavy snowstorms, making it challenging to secure the area and deploy troops. The initial plan was to have troops move in on "G-Day" or "Go Day," but the clock has been slowed down due to the severe weather. The U.S. troops, part of the 60,000-strong NATO force, are expected to begin their deployment within a four-day period, but the enabling force, responsible for setting up logistics and communications, is still behind schedule.

Key Takeaways:

  • The deployment of the NATO peacekeeping force in Bosnia has been delayed due to severe weather conditions, including heavy snowstorms and icy roads.
  • The initial plan was to have troops move in on "G-Day" or "Go Day," but the clock has been slowed down due to the severe weather.
  • The U.S. troops, part of the 60,000-strong NATO force, are expected to begin their deployment within a four-day period, with 4,000 troops moving in during the initial phase.
  • The enabling force, responsible for setting up logistics and communications, has fewer than 700 U.S. forces in Bosnia, short of the planned 700.
  • The main body of U.S. troops will secure the headquarters, and the transfer of authority from the U.N. to NATO is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
  • The deployment of heavy equipment, including 67-ton tanks, has been delayed due to concerns about road safety and the weight of the vehicles.
  • The terrain in Bosnia is difficult, with many hills and narrow roads, making it challenging for troops to navigate.
  • The U.S. forces will have to navigate through treacherous roads and clear landmines using tanks with specialized rollers.
  • The deployment of the Italian and French contingents is also delayed due to transportation issues.

Statistics:

  • 60,000 troops will be part of the NATO peacekeeping force in Bosnia.
  • 20,000 of the troops are American.
  • 4,000 troops will move in during the initial phase.
  • The enabling force, responsible for setting up logistics and communications, has fewer than 700 U.S. forces in Bosnia.
  • The main body of U.S. troops will secure the headquarters.
  • The transfer of authority from the U.N. to NATO is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
  • The terrain in Bosnia is approximately 2,000 feet above sea level.
  • 67-ton tanks will be deployed, with approximately a third being left behind due to road safety concerns.

Sources:

  • Martha Raddatz, NPR, "Martha Raddatz Reports on Bosnia Peacekeeping Deployment"
  • Tom Gjelten, NPR, "Tom Gjelten Reports on Bosnia Peacekeeping Deployment"
  • William Perry, Secretary of Defense, "Interview with NPR"