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Between December 1996 and December 2004, NATO led an international Stabilisation Force (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, helping to maintain a secure environment and facilitating the country's reconstruction in the wake of the 1992-1995 war.
In the light of the improved security situation in both Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region, the Alliance brought SFOR to a conclusion in December 2004.
However NATO is maintaining a military headquarters in the country to carry out a number of specific tasks related in particular to assisting the government in reforming its defence structures.
The European Union is deploying a new force to Bosnia and Herzegovina in an Operation known as Operation Althea, taking on the main peace-stabilisation role previously undertaken by NATO under the Dayton Peace Agreement. In accordance with agreements worked out between the two organisations, NATO is providing planning, logistic and command support for the EU-led operation.
SFOR’s primary task was to contribute to a safe and secure environment conducive to civil and political reconstruction. Specifically, SFOR was tasked to deter or prevent a resumption of hostilities; to promote a climate in which the peace process could continue to move forward; and, to provide selective support within its means and capabilities to civilian organisations involved in this process
SFOR’s activities ranged from patrolling and providing area security through supporting defence reform and supervising demining operations, to arresting individuals indicted for war crimes and assisting the return of refugees and displaced people to their homes.
More...SFOR succeeded the Implementation Force (IFOR), the Alliance's first large scale operational peacekeeping mission. IFOR deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina in December 1995 to oversee implementation of the military aspects of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the accord ending the Bosnian War.
More...Over the course of these missions, 36 Allied and Partner countries contributed troops. In addition, soldiers from five countries that were neither NATO members nor Partner countries participated at different times, namely Argentina, Australia, Chile, Malaysia and New Zealand.
The political control and co-ordination of the missions were provided by the North Atlantic Council (NAC), NATO’s senior decision-making body. Strategic command and control were was exercised by NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium.
