The EUFOR commander in Bosnia and Herzegovina, General Anton Wessely, said there was no immediate threat to security in the country but that caution was necessary due to the crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.
Speaking at a ceremony at EUFOR’s base near Sarajevo marking the completion of the strengthening of the peace contingent from 600 to 1,100 soldiers, the Austrian officer said this was a prevention operation.
EUFOR estimates that there is no threat to security and stability at the moment. As a sensible precautionary measure in light of the deteriorated international security situation, it was decided to activate these reserve forces to achieve readiness for all unforeseen situations, he added.
Wessely announced that members of all EUFOR companies would step up patrols across BiH in the weeks ahead, establish new temporary bases, and estimate how long the reserve forces need to stay in the country.
EUFOR forces will be distributed in the north of the country along the border with Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s defence ministry confirmed.
