Western Powers Mobilize Troops in Bosnia Amid Standoff with Bosnian Serbs

Strategic Insights -

Troops from the Western powers, including the United States, Britain, and France, are being deployed to Bosnia in a significant build-up of military forces in the region. The development comes as Bosnian Serbs continue to hold hostage 359 UN staff, including 33 British soldiers, and refuse to back down from a confrontation with the international community. The Western powers have warned the Bosnian Serbs that they will face consequences if the hostages are not released, and the deployment of troops is seen as a clear indication that the West is willing to take action to protect its forces and ensure the safe operation of the UN peacekeeping mission.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Western powers have committed up to 10,000 troops to the region, with Britain sending 1200 new troops and 4000 soldiers on alert, France deploying 4530 troops, and the United States sending 2000 marines.
  • The deployment of troops will enable the Western powers to take quicker action should the United Nations and nations involved in Bosnia decide to strengthen the peacekeepers or withdraw them.
  • The Bosnian Serbs have taken more UN peacekeepers hostage, including seven Ukrainians, which brings the total number of Ukrainians held by Serbs to 12.
  • The Western powers are also planning a diplomatic offensive aimed at isolating the Bosnian Serbs, with Russia using its traditional links to pressure the Serbs.
  • The US Secretary of State, Mr. Warren Christopher, has refused to rule out further military action, saying that the Western powers need to enhance the capability and strength of the UN Protection Force.
  • Nato has refused to rule out launching more air strikes on the Bosnian Serbs and has called for the continued presence of UN peacekeeping forces in the former Yugoslavia.

Statistics:

  • 359 UN personnel are being held hostage by the Bosnian Serbs, including 33 British soldiers.
  • The Western powers have committed up to 10,000 troops to the region.
  • Britain is sending 1200 new troops and 4000 soldiers on alert.
  • France is deploying 4530 troops.
  • The US is sending 2000 marines, including an expeditionary unit for rescue and potential UN evacuation.
  • 100 NATO planes are on alert, and 44 US fighter/attack planes are deployed to Aviano air base.

Sources:

  • The New York Times
  • Reuters
  • BBC News
  • AP News