NATO Steps Up Military Pressure on Serbia as Tony Blair Threatens Ground Invasion

Strategic Insights -

Tony Blair, British Prime Minister, hinted at sending ground troops into Kosovo, warning that the conflict will continue until Slobodan Milosevic is toppled. Speaking at NATO HQ in Belgium, Blair stated, "Our determination to see that through is absolute, and we have been building up forces in the area precisely so we can achieve that aim." This move comes as NATO officials intensify air strikes, focusing on attacking Serb ground forces inside Kosovo. Britain's military commander, General Sir Charles Guthrie, revealed that NATO aircraft have already flown 8000 missions over Serbia, with RAF planes accounting for 10% of the sorties.

Key Takeaways:

  • NATO is considering sending ground troops into Kosovo to overthrow Slobodan Milosevic's regime.
  • Blair warned that the conflict will continue until Milosevic is toppled, emphasizing the international community's determination to see the conflict through.
  • NATO has intensified air strikes, focusing on attacking Serb ground forces inside Kosovo.
  • 20,000 NATO troops are stationed in Macedonia and Albania, but an invasion force would require approximately 200,000 soldiers and would take weeks to assemble.
  • The International War Crimes Tribunal has planed to haul Milosevic before the court for atrocities carried out by his forces in Kosovo.
  • NATO has revealed a dossier of evidence of atrocities committed by Serb soldiers, including forced displacement and attacks on civilians.

Statistics:

  • 8000 NATO missions flown over Serbia, with RAF planes accounting for 10% of the sorties (Source: General Sir Charles Guthrie).
  • 20,000 NATO troops stationed in Macedonia and Albania (Source: Unspecified NATO source).
  • 200,000 soldiers required for an invasion force, which would take weeks to assemble (Source: Unspecified NATO source).
  • Half of Serbia's MiG-29 fighters, 25% of its MiG-21s, and 30% of its Super Galebs destroyed or severely damaged by NATO air strikes (Source: Tony Blair).
  • 13 Serb military targets attacked by NATO warplanes, including tanks, late on Monday and early yesterday (Source: Serbian media).

Sources:

  • Tony Blair, speech at NATO HQ in Belgium.
  • Robin Cook, Foreign Secretary, statement in the House of Commons.
  • General Sir Charles Guthrie, statement at unspecified location.
  • Serbian media, article titled "NATO missiles slam into residential area, killing one, injuring 12".
  • NATO officials, statement at unspecified location.
  • Margaret Thatcher, speech to mark the 20th anniversary of her election victory.