SIPA

Police officials of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) initiated an operation code-named “Damask” in a wide territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Arrests, searches and terrain inspections are underway at several locations in Sarajevo, Kiseljak, Zenica, Maglaj (Ošve and Gornja Bočina), Srebrenik (Gornja Maoča), Zvornik, Tuzla, Kalesija, Banovići, Bužim and Teslić, with the aim of detecting and seizing items that can be used as evidence in further proceedings. Currently, 17 locations are being searched and 16 individuals are placed under control.

These individuals are suspected of committing criminal offences of financing terrorist activities, public incitement to terrorist activities, recruitment for terrorist activities, organising a terrorist group, all in conjunction with the criminal offence of terrorism. They are linked to financing, organising and recruiting BH nationals for departure to Syria and Iraq, as well as taking part in armed conflicts in Syria and Iraq, while fighting for radical terrorist groups and organisations.

The activities are being carried out upon orders by the court BH and Prosecutor’s Office BH, with more than 200 police officials involved. The operation is being carried out in cooperation with members of the Intelligence Security Agency BH, Republic of Srpska Ministry of Interior, Brčko District Police, Zenica-Doboj Canton Ministry of Interior, Tuzla Canton Ministry of Interior, Una-Sana Canton Ministry of Interior and Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Interior.

This operation is yet another indicator that SIPA is determined and uncompromising in combating crime in BH, and combating terrorism is one of the priorities.

More information about the operation will be announced during the day.