EUFOR maintains a peacekeeping presence in Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of international efforts to preserve stability following the country's devastating war in the 1990s.
Sarajevo: At least three people were reportedly killed and 12 others injured after a helicopter belonging to the European Union's peacekeeping force crashed in northern Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday (October 29), local officials said.
The Italian CH-47 Chinook helicopter, operated by the European Union Force (EUFOR), crashed near the town of Brcko, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
In an initial statement, EUFOR confirmed that "a number” of personnel had been killed or injured but did not immediately provide an official casualty figure.
Local authorities, however, reported three deaths and 12 injuries.
Brcko district Mayor Sinisa Milic told Bosnian Serb broadcaster RTRS that three people had died in the crash, while 12 others required medical attention. One of the injured was reported to be in critical condition.
Photographs published by Bosnian news portal Klix showed the wreckage of the helicopter lying on a lawn, with much of the aircraft destroyed.
No civilian casualties reported
EUFOR said the crash had not caused damage to civilian property or infrastructure.
“no civilian infrastructure, property, or vehicles were damaged, and there were no injuries to civilians,” the peacekeeping force said in an earlier statement.
The force confirmed that an investigation was underway to establish the cause of the crash. Further details are expected following the preliminary assessment.
Authorities have not yet disclosed what caused the helicopter to go down or provided additional information about the identities of those killed and injured.
EU peacekeeping mission in Bosnia
EUFOR maintains a peacekeeping presence in Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of international efforts to preserve stability following the country's devastating war in the 1990s.
The European Union's mission, comprising approximately 1,200 soldiers, took over peacekeeping responsibilities from NATO in 2004.
Its primary role is to help maintain security and oversee the military provisions of the peace agreement that brought an end to the 1992–1995 Bosnian War.
The mission operates under a mandate authorised by the United Nations Security Council.
Published: 29 Oct 2026, 11:27 pm IST
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