In brief
In Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina, a helicopter carrying European Union Force (EUFOR) troops crashed on Thursday, killing four Italian soldiers—three at the scene and a fourth after arriving at a hospital. The mayor declared Friday a day of mourning, and Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto visited the injured in Bosnian hospitals with Bosnian Defence Minister Žukan Helez. The incident is noted as one of the region’s most tragic military events since 1997.
Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina, has declared Friday a day of mourning following a helicopter crash on Thursday that killed four Italian EUFOR troops. The mayor of Brčko announced the declaration and noted the tragedy as one of the most significant involving international forces since 1997.
The helicopter crash, reported by local news agency FENA, resulted in the deaths of three soldiers at the scene and a fourth soldier who later died in hospital. Eleven other individuals were injured but are reported to be out of immediate danger.
Mayor Siniša Milic praised the helicopter pilot for averting a crash into a densely populated area, which prevented civilian casualties. He expressed gratitude to the pilot for that action.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina the following day and visited the injured EUFOR personnel in local hospitals, accompanied by Bosnian Defence Minister Žukan Helez.
The incident has prompted widespread discussions across Bosnia and Herzegovina about the safety of international military operations in the region. Sources indicate this is among the country’s most tragic military events since the 1997 operations involving foreign troops.
