US threatens Dodik with F-16 aircraft, afternoon exercise with Bosnian Army

Two F-16 Flight Falcons aircraft of the United States Air Force will conduct bilateral air-land exercises with forces qualified to conduct the actions of Bosnia and Herzegovina's military aircraft in Tuzla and the Brcko region this afternoon.

This bilateral training is an example of advanced military co-operation that contributes to peace and security in the Western Balkans, as well as demonstrates the United States' commitment to ensuring BiH's territorial integrity in the face of anti-Dayton and Secesionist activity. The United States has underlined that the BiH Constitution does not provide for secession and will act if someone tries to change this basic element of Dayton”, it says. Notification The US Embassy in Sarajevo.

This comes after repeated statements recently by Republika Srpska President in Bosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik that he will declare the entity's secession.

The American Embassy says the training “activity is part of US forces' efforts to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures with AFBiH

The mission will also be supported by a KC-35 Stratothanker, who will provide air fuel supplies to F-16 on Bosnia and Herzegovina's Republika Srpska entity. US Air Force in Europe- Air Forces Africa are engaged in a military routine with regional partners to provide training opportunities, boost interoperability and demonstrate our shared commitment to common security objectives. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a key US partner with a common goal in regional stability”, the report said.

US planes will return to base shortly after the mission is completed.

The ability to deploy quickly, achieve a goal and return home demonstrates the United States' ability to design power anywhere at a moment and act together with allies and partners”, the announcement says.

JTAC's “Teams are members of the specially trained service that conducts the action of combat aircraft engaged in narrow air support. JTAC are the critical link between the military elements on earth and the air. JTAC is used to run military aircraft action from a forward position in support of ground forces. US Special Operations Command JTAC to Europe (SOCEUR) is a critical tactical level capability that provides support to conventional units, including the US Air Force Europe. Their skills and unique training make them a multiplier of force”, it says further at the Embassy's announcement.

US military forces training BiH forces even for infantry skills

“SO CEUR provides a unified front to prevent potential enemy aggression by helping partner forces develop special units”, the report said.