Implementation Force (IFOR)

International Information

International Operation Name: Implementation Force

International Mission Name: Implementation Force (IFOR)

Mandating Organization: United Nations

Region Name: Europe

Location: Former Yugoslavia

Mission Date: 15 December 1995 - 20 December 1996

Mission Mandate: Authorized by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1031 Chapter VII

Mission Statement: IFOR troops were responsible for ensuring compliance with the military terms of the Dayton Peace Accords in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

With the signing of the Dayton Peace Accords and the passing of UNSCR 1031(1995), on 20 December 1995 NATO launched Operation JOINT ENDEAVOUR, the largest military operation undertaken by the Alliance to that date. The Dayton Peace Accords called for a heavily armed peacekeeping force to implement the peace terms in Bosnia -Herzegovina. The result was the formation of a 60,000-strong Implementation Force (IFOR) with personnel from almost all of the NATO member nations and some non-NATO nations, in particular, Russia. IFOR was to operate for one year under NATO rules of engagement that allowed IFOR personnel to use force, including deadly force, if necessary, to achieve the mandated objectives.

Canadian Forces (CF) Information (ALLIANCE)

Name: ALLIANCE

CF Mission/Operation Notes

Date: 20 December 1995 - 20 December 1996

As a member of the NATO Alliance, Canada was called upon to contribute to the force. Following on the recent experience of the CF with the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) in the same area, on 6 December 1995 the Minister of Defence, David Collenette, announced that Canada would contribute soldiers to IFOR.

Designated Operation ALLIANCE, the CF’s participation in IFOR incorporated two six-month rotations of more than 1,000 troops. In addition to the provision of brigade headquarters and signals personnel for IFOR’s multinational brigade (2 Canadian Multinational Brigade and, later, 5 Canadian Multinational Brigade), the CF deployed an armoured reconnaissance squadron, an infantry company, an engineer squadron, a national support element, an advanced surgical centre and a military police platoon.

The first Canadian infantry battle group deployed was drawn from units based in Petawawa, Ontario, and Gagetown, New Brunswick, while the second came from Valcartier, Quebec. Their tasks included establishing freedom of movement throughout the area of operations, supervising the withdrawal and separation of the previously warring factions and their heavy weapons, patrolling cease fire lines, supervising the removal of land mines and unexploded ordnance, settling disputes and helping with the redeployment of UN personnel and equipment still in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Canadian sailors and air force personnel also served in support of IFOR as part of the ongoing maritime blockade (NATO Operation SHARP GUARD) and enforcement of the “no-fly zone” (NATO Operation DECISIVE ENDEVOUR) in the region.

On 20 December 1996, one year after the creation of IFOR, a NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) replaced IFOR.