LONDON -- Britain is deploying 90 additional military personnel in Bosnia and Herzegovina to "foresee, monitor and prevent civil unrest" in the country, the British Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced Monday.
Two reconnaissance platoons will be sent to Bosnia and Herzegovina for up to six months during the country's election period and will be based at the EUFOR (European Union Force) Althea headquarters in Sarajevo, according to the MoD.
This additional support came after a request from the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, the ministry said.
It added that a lessons-learned exercise carried out after civil unrest in Bosnia and Herzegovina in February highlighted the need for "additional capability" in EUFOR Althea, including situational awareness and operational planning.
"The October elections are an important milestone in Bosnia and Herzegovina's journey towards long-term security and prosperity. This additional contribution from the UK will strengthen the mission to maintain stability over the election period," said Andrew Murrison, Britain's minister for international security strategy.
An MoD statement noted that the EUFOR forces based in Bosnia have been part of a long-standing EU military mission to ensure the "safety and security" of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the British Army has been contributing personnel to the mission since 2004.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is scheduled to hold presidential and general elections in October.
