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UN Peacekeepers in Bihac Face Distrust and Hostility Amid Escalating Inter-Muslim Fighting

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Deep divisions and escalating tensions between Bosnian government forces and rebel groups led by Fikret Abdic, a power-hungry tycoon, have created a nightmare scenario in the once-model United Nations safe haven of Bihac. French peacekeepers, who were once lionized for their humanitarian efforts, are now distrusted and loathed by both sides. With 400 people killed in the past six months, the community is calling for more support from the UN to stem the violence and protect civilians from Serb shelling. However, the French force is accusing UN chiefs of not providing enough support to resolve the internal conflict and neutralize Bosnian Serb artillery.

Key Takeaways:

  • The French peacekeeping force in Bihac, consisting of 1,200 soldiers, is struggling to maintain neutrality and protect civilians from inter-Muslim fighting and Serb shelling.
  • Almost 400 people have been killed in Bihac in the past six months, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
  • Fikret Abdic's rebel forces have been accused of attacking UN peacekeepers and civilians, while the French have also been accused of doling out aid to one side more than the other.
  • Bosnian Serb artillery has been shelling Bihac town for two months, forcing the UN to abandon observation posts and highlighting the need for more effective international intervention.
  • The UN has received two requests from the French for air strikes, but both were either rejected or failed to neutralize the Serb threat.
  • The local community is growing increasingly frustrated with the UN's inability to lift the siege and protect civilians, with one official describing it as "one of the last besieged cities in Bosnia".

Statistics:

  • 1,200-strong French peacekeeping force in Bihac
  • 400 people killed in Bihac in the past six months
  • 300,000 inhabitants of Bihac enclave
  • 2 months: duration of Bosnian Serb artillery bombardment of Bihac town
  • 5 hours: time taken for Nato planes to arrive after being requested for air strikes
  • 2 requests: made by the French for air strikes on Bosnian Serb artillery

Sources:

  • "UN in Bosnian Bihac Begins to Lose Support" by Yigal Chazan, The Times (No specific date mentioned)
  • "Peacekeepers in Bosnia's Bihac Face Heat from Both Sides" by The Associated Press (No specific date mentioned)

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