EU force helicopter crash kills four in Bosnia

On Thursday, an Italian military helicopter operating under the EU peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina tragically crashed, resulting in at least four deaths and 11 injuries, according to Italy's defense ministry. Of those killed, two were Italian army personnel and two were members of the Italian Red Cross' Volunteer Military Corps. All 11 injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment and none are in a life-threatening condition.

The helicopter, carrying a total of 15 people, came down in the village of Gorice located within the Brcko district. Local media have shared images of the helicopter, which was found overturned and severely damaged on the ground. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen, vowing that the entire defense establishment shares their grief.

Crosetto emphasized that the cause of the crash is currently under investigation, with inquiries underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, also extended her heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families, and all individuals involved in the mission aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region. The tragedy occurred during Operation Althea, a European Union Force initiative responsible for the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement.