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United Nations

Ethnic Cleansing in Bosnia: A Descent into Chaos

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Bosnian Serb militiamen, armed by Serbia and the Yugoslav Army, have been expelling Muslims from their homes at an alarming rate. The latest instance, in Bijeljina, has driven 566 Muslims from their homes, bringing the total number of Muslims expelled since mid-July to over 1,500. This push for a Serb-only state is a "final push," according to Peter Kessler, the Sarajevo spokesman for the United Nations refugee relief agency. Bosnian Serb militias have also driven over 2,000 people from their homes in the Banja Luka and Rogatica areas, and another 600 Muslims are expected to be expelled from Banja Luka this weekend.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 1,500 Muslims have been driven from their homes in Bijeljina since mid-July, with 566 being forcibly expelled on Thursday night.
  • Bosnian Serb militias have also driven over 2,000 people from their homes in the Banja Luka and Rogatica areas.
  • The expulsions are being carried out despite attempts by the Bosnian Serb Army to prevent or delay them.
  • Refugees report paying "fees" of up to $1,800 to cross front lines to government-controlled territory, and being robbed of all their money and jewelry.
  • At least two women have been raped and kept as concubines by Bosnian Serb militiamen.
  • The Bosnian Serb rebels have rejected an international peace plan that would require them to recognize Bosnia's sovereignty and return a third of the 70 percent of Bosnia's territory they have seized since beginning the war in 1992.
  • The Bosnian Serb militiamen have forced down a French Puma helicopter flying into Sarajevo with 11 United Nations peacekeepers aboard.

Statistics:

  • 566 Muslims were forced to leave their homes in Bijeljina on Thursday night.
  • Over 1,500 Muslims have been driven from their homes in Bijeljina since mid-July.
  • Over 2,000 people have been driven from their homes in the Banja Luka and Rogatica areas.
  • 600 Muslims are expected to be expelled from Banja Luka this weekend.
  • The NATO ultimatum imposed in February required the Serbs to withdraw or place under United Nations control all heavy weaponry within 12.4 miles of the capital.

Sources:

  • United Nations officials
  • Peter Kessler, Sarajevo spokesman for the United Nations refugee relief agency
  • Reuters
  • The New York Times

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