United Nations Flights Suspended in Sarajevo Amid Widespread Shelling

A United Nations airlift operation in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina, has come to a halt as a result of shelling at the city's airport. The suspension occurred on Wednesday, with no immediate word on when flights would resume. The operation, which provided aid to over 300,000 residents, has been halted, leaving the population in a precarious situation.

Key Takeaways:

• The United Nations flights into Sarajevo have been suspended due to shelling at the airport, causing a halt in the airlift of food, medical supplies, and winter items.
• The airport closure has left over 300,000 residents without access to essential aid, with hospital reports indicating three deaths and 28 injuries on Wednesday.
• The Bosnian Serb forces have been accused of using artillery, mortars, and tanks to besiege the city, resulting in a significant number of civilian casualties.
• The shelling of residential and downtown districts has become a frequent occurrence in recent months, with the city's infrastructure facing severe strain.
• The repair of damaged electricity lines will take several days, further exacerbating the city's energy crisis.
• Two days of negotiations between Bosnia-Herzegovina's Prime Minister Haris Silajdzic and Croatia's Foreign Minister Mate Granic ended in Vienna, with discussions focused on finding a solution to the ongoing conflict.
• Artillery, mortars, and tanks have been used by the Bosnian Serb forces to besiege the city.
• Over 300,000 residents rely on the United Nations airlift for essential supplies.
• Three people died and 28 were injured on Wednesday due to shelling in residential and downtown areas.
• The repair of the main electricity line from Reljevo is expected to take at least 10 days.
• Electricity supplies are cut off to Sarajevo and surrounding areas following the shelling.

Sources:

• GILES TREMLETT SARAJEVO (no date mentioned)
• Bosnian government officials (no specific source mentioned)