Europe

EU forces, NATO and Bosnian Army conduct exercise in Bosnia

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Soldiers take part in the military exercise “Quick Response 2016” at Manjaca fire range, near Banja Luka, 300 kms west of Sarajevo, Bosnia, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. Over 750 Soldiers from EUFOR, Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina , United Kingdom, Austria, Portugal and Hungary participate in the exercise, which is the annual test for EUFOR to call forward their Immediate Reserve Forces in order to be prepared should the authorities of BIH request their assistance. (AP Photo/Amel Emric) (The Associated Press)

Soldiers take part in the military exercise “Quick Response 2016” at fire range Manjaca near Banja Luka, 300 kms west of Sarajevo, Bosnia, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. Over 750 Soldiers from EUFOR, Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina , United Kingdom, Austria, Portugal and Hungary participate in the exercise, which is the annual test for EUFOR to call forward their Immediate Reserve Forces in order to be prepared should the authorities of BIH request their assistance. (AP Photo/Amel Emric) (The Associated Press)

Soldiers take part in an air rescue by Austrian helicopter during a military exercise “Quick Response 2016” at Manjaca fire range, near Banja Luka, 300 kms west of Sarajevo, Bosnia, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. Over 750 Soldiers from EUFOR, Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina , United Kingdom, Austria, Portugal and Hungary participate in the exercise, which is the annual test for EUFOR to call forward their Immediate Reserve Forces in order to be prepared should the authorities of BIH request their assistance. (AP Photo/Amel Emric) (The Associated Press)

The European Union Force deployed in Bosnia, NATO troops from neighboring Kosovo and soldiers of the Bosnian Army have concluded their days-long exercise designed to show how effectively they can act if needed.

A EUFOR statement said Wednesday the "Quick Response 2016" exercise included a fictional scenario in which soldiers had to securely escort VIPs and handle civil riots using armored vehicles, sniper teams and even air support.

Some 750 soldiers and 70 vehicles took part in the drill, showing off what they can do and how fast they can be called upon.

After Bosnia's 1992-95 war, more than 60,000 troops deployed throughout the country to secure the peace. In 2004 the peacekeeping mandate was handed over to the EU, which currently has 600 soldiers on the ground.