Bosnian Army Accused of Expanding Front Lines around Sarajevo

The Bosnian government's recent expansion of its front lines around Sarajevo has led to accusations of violating a UN-brokered agreement with Bosnian Serb rebels. The move, which was substantiated by aerial photographs, has put civilians in Sarajevo at risk of retaliation from the Serbs. This is the latest in a series of allegations made against the Muslim-led Bosnian army by the UN peacekeeping force.

Key Takeaways:

• The Bosnian army's expansion of its front lines around Sarajevo has been accused of violating a UN-brokered agreement with Bosnian Serb rebels.
• The move has put civilians in Sarajevo at risk of retaliation from the Serbs.
• The Bosnian army has built new trenches and bunkers on several front lines around Sarajevo, violating a February agreement that ended Serb shelling of the city.
• The establishment of new trenches and bunkers on several front lines around Sarajevo could create a new flashpoint, according to Lieutenant-Colonel Tim Spicer, a spokesman for the peacekeepers.
• Colonel Jacques Lechevallier, in charge of French peacekeepers monitoring the front lines, reported that government forces had built one new trench on a hillside overlooking a Serb-held route that links key Serb military and administrative sites.
• The Bosnian army's move is part of a larger controversy over the UN's handling of the conflict, with the Bosnians accusing the UN of playing down Serb infractions and failing to ensure the security of a crucial supply route over Mount Igman.
• The Bosnian government has requested that the UN ensure the security of the supply route over Mount Igman, which has been frequently targeted by Serb gunfire.
• The UN envoy, Yasushi Akashi, has negotiated an agreement with Bosnian officials to withdraw soldiers from a demilitarized zone on Mount Igman.

Statistics:

• Over three years of war, Sarajevo has remained besieged.
• The UN peacekeeping force has accused the Bosnian army of numerous infractions.
• 1 new trench has been built by the Bosnian army on a hillside overlooking a Serb-held route.

Sources:

• AP (no date mentioned in original text)