News story

Light Dragoons deploy to Bosnia ahead of autumn elections

Nearly 100 UK soldiers have travelled to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to help maintain stability ahead of the October elections.

• From: Ministry of Defence and Julian Brazier
• Published: 22 July 2014

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Soldiers from the Light Dragoons training ahead of their deployment to Bosnia

95 members of the Light Dragoons cavalry regiment deployed recently, along with reservists from the Queen’s Own Yeomanry, following the Defence Secretary’s announcement to Parliament in June that the UK would provide extra support to the EU’s peacekeeping mission in Sarajevo.

Two troops of reconnaissance soldiers will help the mission to more effectively anticipate, monitor and prevent civil unrest across the country and will remain for up to 6 months.

Their deployment is a strong sign of the UK’s continued support for BiH’s security and commitment to Operation Althea, which is designed to ensure a safe and secure environment there. The British Army has been contributing personnel to the mission since it began in 2004.

The troops supplement the UK’s existing contribution to the operation in the country of 6 staff officers and a reserve company which can deploy there at short notice. Members of 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland returned recently after a highly successful routine rehearsal in which they worked alongside the Bosnian armed forces.

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for Reserves Julian Brazier said:

The October elections will be an important event for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The UK contribution to the EU mission will help ensure they take place in a secure and stable environment.

This deployment is a clear demonstration of the UK’s commitment to the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Published 22 July 2014