SFOR SOUTH WEST SOLDIERS FREQUENTLY SHOT AT - JORDAN

VITEZ, Mar 27 (Hina) - Attempts to break into military bases of the English units in division South West of the Stabilization Force (SFOR) were increasing in number, the division's spokesman, Colonel Robert Jordan, told a press conference in Vitez, central Bosnia, on Thursday. Three unknown persons attempted to break through the wire enclosure and enter the base in Baraci near Mrkonjic Grad, Republika Srpska, on 24 March, but ran away after guard shots. On 25 March, two unknown persons tried to break in SFOR's base in Mrkonjic Grad, but fled too after warning shots. We suppose these were attempts at stealing motor fuel, Jordan said, but added that was a dangerous task, since the perpetrators obviously paid no attention to the fact that guards were allowed to shoot at anyone attempting a stealthy entrance. Jordan added that two anti-tank mines had been activated in Galesnica near Gornji Vakuf (controlled by the Army of Bosnia- Herzegovina) on 23 March. Apart from damage caused to village houses, nobody was injured, he said. SFOR South West was looking for a suspect who on 23 March shot at a group of British soldiers jogging in Coralici near Cazin (controlled by the Army of BH). The day after the incident, SFOR searched the suspect's house and found large amounts of ammunition and explosives. "We don't know the motives of that act, but to shoot SFOR members is a dangerous precedent", Jordan said, adding that he hoped it would not take place again. (hina) ha 272013 MET mar 97