Following reports in the media that individuals associated with the Wahhabi movement were practicing shooting at the “Miralem Jugo” barracks of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) in the village of Livac near Mostar, journalists sought answers from relevant authorities in BiH. Who is conducting the shooting practice, who gave permission for it, and what actions do they intend to take?
The Deputy Minister of Defense in the Council of Ministers claims that he has long been warning the Minister of Defense, Zukan Helez, about existing problems in the defense system that need to be addressed together. He adds that the fact that members of certain groups have been entering military-controlled areas is concerning and represents a breach of the defense system’s security.
“The command system in the AFBiH has already initiated procedures to establish the facts and circumstances of the event and the breach of security at the location. What I want to emphasize is the need for civilian security agencies in BiH to thoroughly investigate who the members of the organizations conducting shooting practices are,” says Deputy Minister of Defense of BiH, Aleksandar Goganovic.
The Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs, however, states that they do not have this information, and it falls under the jurisdiction of the cantonal ministries. However, if these reports are accurate and there is evidence to support them, they emphasize that they will request criminal proceedings against those responsible.
“I am not informed, and every cantonal Ministry of Internal Affairs has an obligation to inform the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs, i.e., the police administration, the cantonal police administration, and the federal police administration, about all activities taking place in that area,” says the Federal Minister of Internal Affairs, Ramo Isak.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH, the report they have from the field, from the Intelligence-Security Agency and other agencies, indicates that there is no information about organized movements in BiH and that they are under full surveillance.
Criminologist and security expert Sandi Dizdarevic explains that it is not possible to simply enter an area that is strictly controlled. He clarifies that even state agencies are thoroughly checked when entering controlled areas, let alone when it comes to civilian clubs.
“So I believe that this situation is much more sensationalized by the media than it actually is. However, there is also room for action if it did happen, meaning that certain internal investigations will be carried out, and those who potentially made mistakes will be held accountable,” says Dizdarevic, Radio Sarajevo writes.
