At the premises of Mostar International Airport yesterday, a demonstration exercise was held within the framework of “Quick Response 25”. A scenario of a hostage crisis and a rescue operation was presented in joint cooperation of EUFOR forces and the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA).
The exercise followed complex operational scenarios in which EUFOR’s readiness and cooperation with Bosnian and Herzegovinian (BiH) law enforcement agencies was demonstrated.
Namely, it is an annual EUFOR multinational exercise “Quick Response 2025”, which is being held from September 9th to 25th throughout BiH.
In yesterday’s exercise, members from 25 participating mission countries took part, and they were joined by forces from the Czech Republic and Hungary, as well as soldiers from Kosovo Force (KFOR) units.
The exercise included hostage rescue with the help of helicopters, neutralization of traps, monitoring by drones, neutralization of enemies, as well as the rescue of the wounded and the securing of captives.
“We have been here for several days, where we spent time in exercises with the BiH agencies. What happened today was the result of our coordination and round-the-clock work. The main goal is to work together, we are here to support local agencies and to cooperate closely with them and to show commitment to providing support to the authorities in BiH in maintaining a safe and stable environment for all citizens,” said Martin Netzer yesterday, lieutenant colonel of the Austrian contingent of EUFOR’s “Althea” mission.
The main part of this exercise will be held at the Butmir base near Sarajevo on Friday, September 26th.
