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United Nations

Serbia Deploys Troops and Weapons in Bosnia, Defying NATO Threats

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Bosnia is bracing itself for further conflict as Serbia, backed by the Yugoslav Army, continues to deploy troops and weapons in a bid to shore up its positions in the region. Despite NATO's recent threats of air strikes, Serbian forces are involved in a significant operation near Tuzla, a UN-declared "safe area" home to almost 400,000 people. The Yugoslav paratroopers are seen as the spearhead of a larger Serbian plan to isolate Tuzla, with the goal of maintaining control over key areas of the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Yugoslav Army has been secretly deploying troops and weapons in Bosnia for the past year, with members of elite units taking part in operations in the region.
  • The primary objective of the Serbian plan is to isolate Tuzla, a UN-declared "safe area" and the largest remaining multi-ethnic city in Bosnia with a viable industrial base.
  • The Bosnian Serb leadership has refused to comply with NATO's demand to allow Tuzla airport to open for international aid flights, citing the need for a peace deal to be signed before concessions are made.
  • The latest Western-brokered peace proposal would give the Muslim-led Bosnian Government a third of the country, but Bosnian leaders are now demanding more, citing the significant loss of territory and population suffered by the Muslim community.
  • After 21 months of fratricidal fighting, Muslims now hold only 15% of Bosnia's territory, down from 43% before the war, while Serbs control 70% and Croats hold 15%.
  • The Bosnian Serb leader, Radovan Karadzic, has repeatedly ruled out any further concessions and has forecast a long and difficult struggle.
  • International mediator Lord Owen described the prospects for a negotiated peace as grim, but still holding onto a glimmer of hope.

Statistics:

  • 43% of Bosnia's population was Muslim before the war
  • 15% of Bosnia's territory is now held by the Muslim-led Bosnian Government
  • 70% of the republic is controlled by Belgrade-backed Serbs
  • 15% of the territory is held by Bosnia's Croats, supported by Zagreb
  • 21 months of fratricidal fighting have resulted in significant losses for the Muslim community in Bosnia
  • Almost 400,000 people live in Tuzla, a UN-declared "safe area"

Sources:

  • The Independent
  • Reuter

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