Sign in Subscribe
North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Tensions Rise in Kosovo Crisis as Yugoslav Forces Refuse to Release Captive US Soldiers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Western officials are raising concerns about the slow progress of negotiations to release three U.S. soldiers captured by Yugoslav forces last month. Despite a visit from the International Committee of the Red Cross, access to the soldiers remains limited, and their condition is unknown. The crisis in Kosovo continues to escalate, with NATO imposing economic sanctions and launching air strikes against Yugoslav targets.

Key Takeaways:

  • Three U.S. soldiers, Staff Sgt. Andrew A. Ramirez, 24, Spc. Steven M. Gonzales, 21, and Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Stone, 25, have been held captive by Yugoslav forces since March 31.
  • The International Committee of the Red Cross has been allowed to visit the soldiers, but access remains limited, and their condition is unknown.
  • The European Union has tightened economic sanctions and banned fuel shipments to Yugoslavia.
  • NATO has launched air strikes against Yugoslav targets, including a 23-story building in Belgrade that houses offices for President Slobodan Milosevic's Socialist party.
  • Western officials believe the air campaign is demoralizing Serb resistance and weakening their resolve.
  • Yugoslavia's deputy premier, Vuk Draskovic, has called on the government to "stop lying to the people in Serbia, and finally tell them the truth," indicating a rift within the regime.

Statistics:

  • Three U.S. soldiers have been held captive by Yugoslav forces for 25 days.
  • The European Union has imposed economic sanctions on Yugoslavia, including a ban on fuel shipments.
  • NATO has launched 20 air strikes against Yugoslav targets since the beginning of the campaign.
  • The U.N. relief agency reports that it has credible evidence that Serb forces are using Kosovo refugees as human shields to protect them from NATO air strikes.

Sources:

  • "FOREIGN NEWS: NATO increases pressure on Yugoslavia" [Source not available], AP News
  • "3 U.S. soldiers captured by Serbs seen by Red Cross", USA Today, April 20, 1999
  • "Yugoslav deputy premier calls on Serb leaders to 'tell the truth'", CNN.com, April 20, 1999
  • "International Red Cross chief visits U.S. soldiers in Yugoslavia", AP News, April 20, 1999

Read more