Canadian U.N. Peacekeepers Detained by Bosnian Army

Strategic Insights -

Canadian U.N. peacekeeping troops in central Bosnia are being held captive by the Muslim-led Bosnian army, with the Bosnians threatening to destroy the Canadian camp in Visoko if the Canadians attempt to leave. The situation has escalated significantly, with the U.N. warning of a possible humanitarian crisis due to the shortage of water at the outlying observation posts manned by the Canadians. The U.N. officials speculate that the Bosnian government's actions may be linked to the ongoing offensive against the Serbs surrounding Sarajevo, with some even suggesting that the Bosnians may be using the U.N. personnel as human shields.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 650 Canadian U.N. peacekeeping troops are being detained by the Bosnian army in central Bosnia.
  • The Bosnians have threatened to destroy the Canadian camp in Visoko if the Canadians attempt to leave, mirroring the actions of the Bosnian Serbs who detained U.N. peacekeepers around Sarajevo.
  • The Canadians being detained include 42 individuals who were recently released by the Bosnian Serbs, now being held by the Bosnian army.
  • Three outlying observation posts manned by Canadian peacekeepers are running low on water and may run out within three days due to the Bosnian army's refusal to allow resupply.
  • The U.N. officials speculate that the Bosnian government's actions may be linked to the ongoing offensive against the Serbs surrounding Sarajevo.
  • The U.N. is considering the possibility that the Bosnian government may be using U.N. personnel as human shields in case the Serbs decide to strike back at the Bosnian government in the area.

Statistics:

  • 652 Canadian U.N. peacekeeping troops are being detained by the Bosnian army in central Bosnia (Source).
  • 42 Canadian peacekeepers were recently released by the Bosnian Serbs and are now being held by the Bosnian army (Source).
  • Three outlying observation posts manned by Canadian peacekeepers may run out of water within three days due to the Bosnian army's refusal to allow resupply (Source).

Sources:

  • National Public Radio (Source: NPR's Bob Edwards, Airdate: Not specified)
  • Andy Bowers, NPR Reporter (Source: NPR's Andy Bowers in Kisilyak, central Bosnia)