C. Wiebes - Intelligence en de oorlog in Bosnië 1992-1995. De rol van de inlichtingen- en veiligheidsdiensten - Engels

183command and the rival Iranian, Saudi, Turkish and Malaysian-back groups all operated according to theirown agendas. 953Mercenaries of non-Yugoslav origin were involved from the outbreak of the armed conflict. Anactive group was the Mujahedin. These were non-Bosnian, Islamic-fundamentalist fighters fromTurkey, Iran, Pakistan, Sudan, Afghanistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Algeria and Saudi Arabia. Furthermore,the names of Jihad, Fis, Hamas and Hezbollah were linked with the Mujahedin in Bosnia. Sray estimatedthe number of Mujahedin fighters at 4000; in April 1994, the CIA arrived at the conclusion that therewere approximately 400 fighters. 954 In 1994, the UN put the number 955 at 450 to 500, and in 1995 atapproximately 600. American estimates, however, spoke of 1200 to 1400. A BVD report from late 1995likewise gave an estimate of only 200.This group withdrew from the control of the Bosnian authorities, both politically and militarily.There were unconfirmed reports of control by authorities of the countries of origin, by Islamicfundamentalistterrorist organizations and by criminal organizations.956 The Mujahedin formed part ofthe 4th, 7th and 8th Muslimski brigade, stationed around Zenica in central Bosnia, and took part in theactivities of several paramilitary units, such as the Black Swans. They fell under the responsibility of theABiH 3rd and 7th Corps. Furthermore, there were approximately 25 other Muslim factions and unitsactive in Bosnia, which also included women. 957These groups were supplied by the ABiH, but operated decentrally as special units or shocktroops. Many ABiH sources, according to an internal UNPROFOR report, considered their militaryvalue to be limited. Nonetheless, the UNPROFOR intelligence staff followed their movements closely.The UN estimated their number in the summer of 1995 to be no more than 1500 fighters. 958 Militaryexperts were, according to the BVD, of the opinion that because of their small number, the threat fromthese Mujahedin should not be overestimated. 959Furthermore, the population was not particularly enthusiastic about the fighters and appearedto be indifferent to their religious propaganda. The Bosnian government appeared to have lessantipathy to the Mujahedin. President Izetbegovic especially appeared to see the fighters as ‘a conduitfor funds from the Gulf and Middle East’. 960 Within the framework of the Dayton agreement, theMujahedin fighters should have left Bosnia before 13 January 1996. 961 In October, UNPROFORconcluded that the numbers had declined to between 700 and 800. The presence of the Mujahedin wasused by the Croats in particular to delay the process of reconciliation and normalization. The numberof clashes with the local population around Tuzla increased, and the risk to the British UNPROFORunits was deemed to be significant. According to the ABiH, radical elements within the 7th MuslimskiBrigade were responsible. The mood deteriorated after a British soldier killed a Mujahedin fighter.According to UNPROFOR, the US pressure on Izetbegovic was stepped up strongly to force theMujahedin out of Bosnia. 962 Janvier also appealed to the UN in New York to step up pressure on theBosnian and Croatian ambassadors. 963 Iran did continue to support Izetbegovic, and in the autumn of953 Ripley, Mercenaries, p. 57.954 James Risen, ‘Iran gave Bosnia leader $ 500,000’, Los Angeles Times, 31/12/96.955 UNNY, DPKO, Coded Cables UNPOROFOR. De Lapresle to Annan, Z-1371, 07/09/94; UNNY, UNPROFOR, Box88039. DFC to Brigadier Baril, 03/11/94.956 Archives BVD, BVD Report The Mujahedin in Bosnia, 29/01/96.957 For an overview of most paramilitary factions and the role of mercenaries and volunteers, See: MoD, MIS/RNLA.Supintrep no. 29417/4/040794, 04/07/94.958 UNNY, DPKO, File #87303. G-2 to COS, 07/01/95 and UNGE, UNPROFOR, Janvier to Annan, Z-1623, Mujahedin inBosnia, 08/09/95.959 Archives BVD, BVD Report The Mujahedin in Bosnia, 29/01/96.960 UNGE, UNPROFOR. Janvier to Annan, Z-1623, Mujahedin in Bosnia, 08/09/95.961 Archives BVD, BVD Report The Mujahedin in Bosnia, 29/01/96.962 UNGE, UNPROFOR. Akashi to Annan, Z-2024, Update on Mujahedin in Bosnia, 31/10/95.963 UNGE, UNPROFOR. Janvier to Kittani, Z-2040, Mujahedin Activities in Bosnia, 03/11/95.