UNPROFOR Deploys to Bosnia: International Community Steps In to Maintain Peace
The Conflict and its Devastating Consequences
The Bosnian War, which began in 1992, had left the country in a state of chaos and destruction. The conflict between the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA), led by Slobodan Milošević, and Bosnian Serb forces, led by Radovan Karadžić, had resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, displacement of millions, and widespread destruction of cities and infrastructure. In May 1992, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 743, establishing the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) to deploy to the region and maintain peace.
Establishment of UNPROFOR
UNPROFOR, also known as the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Croatia, was established on February 23, 1992. The force was mandated to:
- Maintain lines of communication and to prevent further violence, including the commission of atrocity crimes
- To protect civilians and to assist in the delivery of humanitarian aid
The initial deployment consisted of troops from 18 countries, led by General Satish Naronha of India, who was appointed the Commander of UNPROFOR. The force’s initial strength was 14,000 troops, which increased to approximately 38,000 personnel from 25 countries.
Duties and Challenges
UNPROFOR played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its duties included:
- Monitoring the demilitarization of the region
- Protecting cities and villages from attack
- Facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid
- Maintaining lines of communication and preventing obstruction of supply lines
- Assisting in the relocation of refugees and internally displaced persons
However, UNPROFOR also faced numerous challenges, including:
- Resisting attacks from various armed groups, including Serb, Croat, and Bosniak forces
- Dealing with inadequate resources and equipment
- Coping with the constant threat of mine laying and sniping
- Managing the logistics of maintaining a large and dispersed force
Key Operations
Some notable operations carried out by UNPROFOR include:
- Operation Welcome (March 1992): UNPROFOR established a ceasefire and separated warring factions in eastern Bosnia
- Operation Deny (September 1993): UNPROFOR foiled an attempt by Bosnian Serb forces to capture the strategic town of Maglaj
- Operation Quicklink (April 1994): UNPROFOR established a corridor to connect the divided city of Sarajevo with the international airport
Drawdown and Reorganization
In December 1995, the Dayton Peace Accords were signed, marking the end of the Bosnian War. The accords called for the withdrawal of UNPROFOR and the establishment of a new international force, the Implementation Force (IFOR). UNPROFOR was officially replaced by IFOR in December 1996. Today, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in the former Yugoslavia (UNMIL) continues to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Conclusion
The deployment of UNPROFOR to Bosnia and Herzegovina marked a significant milestone in international efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region. Despite numerous challenges and difficulties, UNPROFOR played a crucial role in halting the conflict, protecting civilians, and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid. Its legacy serves as a model for future peacekeeping operations, demonstrating the importance of international cooperation and collective action in the face of conflict.
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