UN Scrambles to Prevent Collapse of Peacekeeping Mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations has been working to prevent the collapse of its peacekeeping mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina, as a Serb assault on the Bihac 'safe area' continues to escalate. The situation remains dire, with four powerful rockets slamming into the city of Sarajevo, targeting the barracks of a contingent of UN peacekeepers and the downtown headquarters of the Bosnian government army. Meanwhile, Western diplomats are exploring the possibility of a confederation between the Bosnian Serbs and Serbia, which could potentially be included in negotiations on the future of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN peacekeeping mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina faces the risk of collapse due to the escalating Serb assault on the Bihac 'safe area'.
  • Four powerful rockets have slammed into the city of Sarajevo, targeting the barracks of a contingent of UN peacekeepers and the downtown headquarters of the Bosnian government army.
  • Western diplomats are considering a confederation between the Bosnian Serbs and Serbia as a potential solution to the crisis.
  • The Muslim-Croat federation has been based on the possibility of Bosnia's confederation with Croatia, but new possibilities are being explored to enable Bosnian Serbs to confederate with Serbia proper.
  • The contact group, composed of senior diplomats from the United States, Russia, France, and Britain, is meeting with Bosnian Vice President Ejup Ganic to discuss the military situation and the prospects for an immediate cease-fire in Bihac.
  • The Bosnian government has accepted the UN plan for a cease-fire in the Bihac area, but the Bosnian Serb leadership has not committed to following the rules of protocol and meeting with the secretary-general.
  • The Serbs hold a distinct military advantage in the Bihac area and are likely to have an upper hand in any negotiations on a cease-fire agreement.

Statistics:

  • 4 rockets slammed into the city of Sarajevo, targeting the barracks of a contingent of UN peacekeepers and the downtown headquarters of the Bosnian government army.
  • 800 meters (yards) of territory have been gained by the Serbs against the Bosnian government army in the Sokolac area south of Bihac.
  • 3 mortar rounds were reported in the heavy fighting in the Sokolac area.

Sources:

  • CNN
  • Associated Press
  • United Nations
  • Bosnian government officials
  • Western diplomatic sources