Bosnian Serb Forces Block UN Aid Convoys, Test Peacekeeping Troops' Resolve

Strategic Insights -

Bosnian Serb forces blocked seven United Nations aid convoys in Bosnia, in a move that appears to be a test of the peacekeeping troops' determination. The convoys, which included relief vehicles from Canada, France, and the Netherlands, were halted at various locations by the Bosnian Serbs, who objected to the peacekeeping troops' weapons and complained about potential road damage. This move comes amid growing challenges from the Bosnian Serbs, who are testing the resolve of the United Nations to enforce a cease-fire around Sarajevo and a NATO ban on heavy weapons within 12.4 miles of the Bosnian capital.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bosnian Serbs blocked seven UN aid convoys, including five columns of relief vehicles from Canada, France, and the Netherlands, in what appears to be a test of the peacekeeping troops' resolve.
  • The convoys were halted at Zvornik, Hadzici, and an unnamed location en route to the Muslim enclave of Maglaj, which the UN Security Council has suggested may be designated a "safe haven."
  • The Bosnian Serbs objected to the peacekeeping troops' weapons and complained about potential road damage, despite the UN commander's threat to use military force to get the trucks through.
  • The convoys were blocked amid growing challenges from the Bosnian Serbs, who are testing the resolve of the UN to enforce a cease-fire around Sarajevo and a NATO ban on heavy weapons.
  • The town of Maglaj has become Bosnia's deadliest combat zone, with scores of casualties since cease-fires took hold last month in Sarajevo and central Bosnia.
  • The UN has not received any aid by road to Maglaj since October, despite the Security Council's vote to askSecretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali for a plan to put the town under UN protection.
  • The UN Security Council voted 15 to 0 to ask the Secretary General for a plan to put Maglaj, Mostar, and Vitez under UN protection, amid growing concerns about the fragile cease-fires now in place.
  • UN peacekeeping officers in Sarajevo have expressed bitterness about the limited resources available to protect the six existing "safe areas" and the potential consequences of not receiving more troops or reinforcement.

Statistics:

  • The United Nations has 13,000 troops currently deployed in Bosnia.
  • The Bosnian Serbs have moved six 122-millimeter howitzers into the exclusion zone since Friday, in defiance of the UN commander's warnings.
  • Maglaj has become Bosnia's deadliest combat zone, with scores of casualties since cease-fires took hold last month in Sarajevo and central Bosnia.
  • The UN has not received any aid by road to Maglaj since October, despite the Security Council's vote to ask the Secretary General for a plan to put the town under UN protection.
  • The UN Security Council voted 15 to 0 to ask the Secretary General for a plan to put Maglaj, Mostar, and Vitez under UN protection.

Sources:

  • The New York Times
  • United Nations News Service
  • Radio Sarajevo