U.N. troops attacked leaving Gorazde

August 25, 1995

From International Correspondent Jackie Shymanski

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (CNN) -- The United Nations pullout from Gorazde met up with trouble before leaving the U.N. designated safe area. British troops set to leave Friday were attacked, apparently by Bosnian government forces.

A heavy small arms fire fight ensued. Two men in Bosnian government uniforms were killed. There were no U.N. casualties, and the shooting stopped 15 minutes later.

U.N. officials believe the intention was to grab U.N. equipment. Much of the Ukranian contingent's gear was stolen, just before their withdrawal a day earlier.

The U.N. says renegade Bosnian troops launched the attack, and that local officials are cooperating with the U.N. withdrawal. But there is tension over the departure. Unarmed military observers will be the only U.N. presence on the ground, in a city surrounded by Serb guns.

Gorazde has so far been spared the fate of the two other so- called "safe areas" Srebrenica and Zepa. Both fell to the Bosnian Serbs in July, sending thousands of refugees fleeing.

The international community then threatened the Bosnian Serbs, "Go after Gorazde, and face massive NATO bombing." The U.N. insists that threat still holds.

By reducing the number of U.N. personnel on the ground,the ability of hostile forces to take hostages or to retaliate is also reduced, and capability to use air power is enhanced, according to U.N. spokesman Lt. Col. Chris Vernon. (213k .aiff sound file)

But doubts on Gorazde's future grow as the U.N. presence there dwindles. A single shell hit there just days ago. Three children died. The only response -- moral outrage.

U.N. troops attacked leaving Gorazde

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