British troops to protect Bosnia’s

BRITISH TROOPS will be deployed to Bosnia to ensure the presidential election is free from outside interference, the Defence Secretary has said.

Gavin Williamson made the announcement at the Nato Defence Ministers meeting in Brussels, revealing 40 personnel will join Operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Defence Secretary said the extra troops joining the operation highlights the important role the UK plays in Europe’s defence, stability and security.

“This deployment demonstrates our commitment to making sure the elections in Bosnia are free and fair – and take place uninterrupted from malign external influence,” Mr Williamson said.

“Our Armed Forces are playing a leading role in protecting the stability, prosperity and way of life for millions of people in the Western Balkans and across Europe.”

The UK troops will join a specialist surveillance and intelligence task force for six months to cover the period of the country’s presidential election in October 2018, the Ministry of Defence has said. Operation Althea is a 600-strong European Union Force mission which was launched in December 2004 and is commanded by Nato.

It is led by senior British military officer General Sir James Everard in his role as Nato’s deputy supreme allied commander Europe.

The announcement highlights a significant uplift in Britain’s presence in the country, with only four officers currently deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina.