Stabilization Force in Bosnia: 1997

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) organized a second peacekeeping force to succeed the Implementation Force that had conducted operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1996-1997. The Stabilization Force (SFOR), as the second contingent was known, possessed some significant advantages that had been denied its predecessor. For example, SFOR enjoys more robust rules of engagement and combat air support on constant call. Although, to date, little progress has been made in returning displaced minorities to their original homes, the mission has been quite successful: very few ceasefire violations have occurred and Bosnia is very slowly rebuilding. Virtually every Canadian infantry battalion (along with their attached artillery, armoured, and engineering arms) has, by now, served several tours in SFOR. SFOR is currently conducting peacekeeping operations in Bosnia.