Escalating Violence in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Strategic Insights -

UN peacekeepers and a French helicopter were targeted by snipers in and around Sarajevo, while a snag was reported in the withdrawal of troops from around the eastern Muslim enclave of Gorazde. Despite a February cease-fire agreement, sniping has increased for the past week, and NATO has issued an ultimatum threatening airstrikes against active heavy artillery positions around the city. Meanwhile, the unpacking of artillery-tracking radar equipment in the U.N.-declared safe area of Tuzla was completed on Sunday.

Key Takeaways:

  • UN Protection Force spokesman Maj. Rob Annink reported that a French Puma helicopter was hit by two rounds from a small caliber weapon while flying 12 miles southwest of Sarajevo.
  • The origin of fire in the incident is unknown, but the French helicopter crew reported that the shots came from Muslim-led Bosnian government positions south of Mt. Igman.
  • Despite a February cease-fire agreement, sniping has increased for the past week, with a Ukrainian soldier being fired at three times late Sunday and a French battalion observation post coming under small arms fire.
  • The withdrawal of troops from around the eastern Muslim enclave of Gorazde hit a snag on Sunday, with troops from each side still within the 1.8-mile radius designated for withdrawal.
  • NATO issued an ultimatum on April 24, threatening airstrikes against active heavy artillery positions around the city if the ceasefire was not respected.
  • The unpacking of artillery-tracking radar equipment in the U.N.-declared safe area of Tuzla was completed on Sunday, with 100 Jordanian peacekeepers responsible for its operation.

Statistics:

  • 12 miles (20 km): distance of the French helicopter from Sarajevo when it was hit
  • 1.8 miles (3 km): radius designated for withdrawal of troops around the city of Gorazde
  • 55 miles (75 km): distance from Sarajevo to the U.N.-declared safe area of Tuzla
  • 6 days: expected time for the set-up of the artillery-tracking radar equipment
  • 100: number of Jordanian peacekeepers responsible for the operation of the equipment

Sources:

  • UN Protection Force spokesman Maj. Rob Annink
  • A French Puma helicopter crew
  • A Ukrainian soldier
  • A French battalion observation post
  • NATO press release dated April 24
  • Military observers in Gorazde
  • Negotiations between UN officials and representatives of the warring sides in Sarajevo
  • An exodus of people from several villages in the northwestern Bihac region.