This morning (17th May) EUFOR rescue operations started with a medical evacuation and four more were executed during the day. Around 200 civilians were evacuated in 30 lifts until 4 pm this afternoon. “The older people, children and those who are already weakened and in a critical condition have priority”, said EUFOR Air Chief Lieutenant Colonel Christian Tesar. The flights will continue today until the sunset.
While the main effort of EUFOR air operations yesterday was in the areas of Maglaj, Tuzla and Zenica, the focus of evacuations shifted today to the north of the country, namely to Samac, Doboj, Brcko District and Modrica. To increase the endurance and effectiveness of EUFOR air operations an additional helicopter refuelling point was established in Zenica.
Yesterday, 291 civilians were evacuated in 72 lifts with EUFOR Alouette and Black Hawk helicopters. During the night three trucks were transporting food, water and clothes to Maglaj where they assisted in the dissemination. They returned to Camp Butmir at 6 am this morning standing ready for further assistance to the BiH population.
A mission summary of today will follow in the morning.
