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Extremely alarming report by Bosnian indie media: Croatian intel attempted influence small Salafi community in BiH to hide weapons caches in mosques — that they could then “expose” to “prove” CRO Pres’ hitherto false claims that BiH is major extremist hub. zurnal.info/novost/21945/h…
This is a pretty detailed report that meshes w. ongoing disinformation campaign by HDZ leadership in Zagreb & is being reported by reliable media outlet w. strong record of working w. Western media (e.g. provided background for Guardian on stories). So, very disturbing news.
Significant follow-up: Bosnia's Security Minister -- an ethnic Serb from RS opposition -- confirms media reports of CRO intel op, implicates members of RS govt-controlled RTRS public broadcaster in the effort to spread accompanying disinformation. Yikes. faktor.ba/vijest/mektic-…
Croatia has been meddling in Bosnian domestic politics for some time -- see txt below -- but this is major development. It's an EU & NATO member state seemingly involved in a false flag op in neighboring state that aspires to membership in both blocs. hr.n1info.com/English/NEWS/a…
Nearly three hrs since news broke & I’m still at a loss for words: Croatia, an EU & NATO state, accused on basis of credible media & ministerial accounts, orchestrated false flag op — w. media arm of Kremlin-backed @SNSDDodik regime — to arm Salafi pockets in BiH. Just wow.
Last night's news re: CRO intel's apparent effort to arm extremists in Bosnia now also being carried by other regional media, including in CRO (below). Important that this story not end w/ one report. Much more detail needed given massive implications. index.hr/vijesti/clanak…
Also note that @N1infoZG, the regional CNN affiliate, is now also carrying this news, including details re: BiH's Security Minister's confirmation of @zurnal_info's initial report & his accusations vs. CRO consular staff in BiH, their role in this effort. hr.n1info.com/Regija/a377416…
In separate comments for @radiosarajevo, Bosnia Security Minister claims BiH security services "took measures" to prevent "and conclude" further Croatian disinformation/destabilization ops. Extraordinary accounts emerging. radiosarajevo.ba/vijesti/bosna-…
Reports also emerging that Bosnia's state prosecutor is formally opening an investigation into these allegations. Considering the news broke late last night, this is a remarkably rapid response by BiH institutions. Understandable, given the implications. radiosarajevo.ba/vijesti/bosna-…
It is of vital importance that the facts of these allegations be determined post-haste. If these are truly trumped up rumors — which would be extraordinary if they’re being advanced by BiH’s Security Minister — that needs to be established. Likewise, if story correct: huge deal.
Croatia’s PM has rebuffed accusations coming from BiH’s Security Minister — altho his claims re professionalism of CRO diplomats in BiH is hardly convincing given that ZG was already forced to recall Amb to Sarajevo in Jan due to separate scandal. hr.n1info.com/Vijesti/a37752…
Croatia’s intel org, SOA, is also rejecting the accusations, considers them threats to Croatia’s security & “will inform” CRO’s EU & NATO partners. So, as expected temp rising. Extremely ugly & dangerous spat. klix.ba/vijesti/bih/so…
If we assume CRO denials true: I. Zurnal report provided details CRO officials have not explained II. Unclear why high-ranking Bosnian Serb (!) official would spin this & III. story fits pattern of established CRO interference in BiH (which ZG also, w/o basis in facts, denies).
BiH Security Min repeats claims re: Croatian intel ops in BiH to CNN affiliate, claims BiH intel officials have evidence going back 2 yrs, criticizes BiH prosecutor for not immediately reaching out to relevant security organs rather than q’ing journos etc. ba.n1info.com/Vijesti/a32184…
A good roundup, in English, of what we so far know about this possible Croatian intelligence false flag op in Bosnia, including some of the historical background to its significance. balkaninsight.com/2019/03/14/bos…
The purported Croatian false flag op in Bosnia has now made the NYT, w/ succinct account of the facts by @UnaHajdari. Extremely rare that Balkan spats reach this degree of international attn. That alone makes this already volatile situation significant. nytimes.com/2019/03/14/wor…
