[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book I)]
[March 1, 1994]
[Pages 354-355]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on NATO Action in Bosnia
March 1, 1994

Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
    In my report to the Congress of February 17, 1994, I provided 
further information on the deployment of U.S. combat-equipped aircraft 
to support NATO's enforcement of the no-fly zone in Bosnia-Herzegovina, 
as authorized by the U.N. Security Council. The United States has 
conducted air operations along with other participating nations for 
these purposes since April 12, 1993. I am providing this supplementary 
report, consistent with the War Powers Resolution, on the NATO military 
action conducted by U.S. aircraft in the airspace over Bosnia-
Herzegovina on February 28, 1994.
    During enforcement operations in the early morning hours of February 
28, U.S. F-16 aircraft on air patrol for NATO shot down four Galeb 
fixed-wing aircraft that were violating the no-fly zone near Banja Luka, 
Bosnia-Herzegovina. After NATO airborne early-warning aircraft detected 
the unauthorized aircraft, two U.S. F-16s proceeded to the area and 
reported visual contact with a total of six Galeb aircraft. In 
accordance with approved procedures, the NATO airborne early-warning 
aircraft issued warnings to the violators that they would be engaged if 
they did not land or leave the no-fly zone airspace immediately. After 
several minutes passed with no response from the Galebs, the U.S. 
fighter aircraft again warned them in accordance with approved 
procedures and, once again, noted no response from the

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violators to heed the warnings. Soon thereafter, the U.S. F-16s received 
permission from the NATO Combined Air Operations Center to engage the 
violators. Just prior to the engagement, the flight leader of the U.S. 
fighter aircraft saw the Galebs make a bombing maneuver, and then he saw 
explosions on the ground. We have since received reports confirming that 
facilities in this area were hit by bombs during this time frame.
    Having received permission to engage the violators, the lead U.S. F-
16 fired air-to-air missiles and destroyed three Galeb aircraft. One of 
two other U.S. F-16 aircraft, which had been sent to the area to provide 
support, fired a missile and downed the fourth Galeb. The two remaining 
violators left the area.
    This action, part of the NATO effort to enforce the no-fly zone, was 
conducted under the authority of U.N. Security Council resolutions and 
in full compliance with NATO procedures. Responding to the bombing of 
villages and other violations of the ban on unauthorized flights 
established by the Security Council in late 1992, the Security Council 
acted in Resolution 816 (March 31, 1993) to authorize Member States, 
acting nationally or through regional organizations, to take all 
necessary measures to ensure compliance with the no-fly zone. NATO 
undertook to monitor the no-fly zone to ensure that the war in Bosnia-
Herzegovina does not spread to the air.
    Since the commencement of no-fly zone operations last April, nearly 
12,000 fighter, tanker, and NATO airborne early-warning sorties have 
been flown. Military personnel from 12 NATO member nations have 
participated in this effort, which has been highly successful in 
preventing significant air threats by the parties to the conflict in 
Bosnia-Herzegovina. Although we have no reason to believe that there 
will be further violations requiring the use of force, U.S. aircraft 
will continue to serve as part of this important NATO enforcement 
effort. As always, our forces remain prepared to defend themselves if 
necessary. U.S. Armed Forces participate in these operations pursuant to 
my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as 
Commander in Chief.
    I remain committed to ensuring that the Congress is fully informed 
about significant activities of U.S. Armed Forces in the region. I 
appreciate the continued support of the Congress for U.S. contributions 
to the important multilateral effort in the former Yugoslavia.
    Sincerely,

                                                            Bill Clinton

Note: Identical letters were sent to Thomas S. Foley, Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and Robert C. Byrd, President pro tempore of 
the Senate. This letter was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on March 2.