{
  "id": 12986540,
  "title": "He was entrusted with US$10mil in war-torn Bosnia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/he-was-entrusted-with-us-10mil-in-war-torn-bosnia",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-08T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/10/09/he-was-entrusted-with-us-10mil-in-war-torn-bosnia"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 1993, Malaysia's pioneering peacekeeping mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina involved safeguarding a bag containing up to US$10 million in cash. Major Othman Mohamad, then 63, recounted how he kept the money with him at all times, even during meals, sleep, and bathroom visits, with only two armed escorts aware of its existence. The cash was crucial for paying salaries, purchasing essential supplies, and preparing for potential evacuation. Malaysia's battalion faced numerous challenges, including extreme cold, constant gunfire, and the suffering of local civilians. Despite budget constraints, the soldiers made do through improvisation and initiative. The mission also saw the establishment of a field hospital, and the battalion's food was well-received by locals and foreign peacekeepers.",
  "summary": "For decades, even many of Othman Mohamad’s fellow Malbatt I veterans did not know about the responsibility he carried during Malaysia’s first deployment to Bosnia.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "He was entrusted with US$10mil in war-torn Bosnia",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/he-was-entrusted-with-us-10mil-in-war-torn-bosnia-12989083",
        "published": "2026-10-08T23:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}