The Republic of Srpska

Today, on Kozara Mountain, the tactical exercise ‘KOZARA 2026’ was successfully realized. The exercise was the presentation of high level of proficiency, readiness and capability of the members of the Republic of Srpska Ministry of the Interior to react in an efficient and coordinated manner in complex security situations. 

The Republic of Srpska Minister of the Interior, Mr Željko Budimir said that BIH was a high-risk area, often faced with terrorist threats and that the exercise demonstrated the situation that would be encountered by anybody who would try to threaten the security of the Republic of Srpska. 

He pointed out that the aim of the tactical exercise was to demonstrate the maneuvering capabilities of special units of the police – Gendarmerie and Special Anti-Terrorist Unit – on challenging terrain as is the mountain peak Gola planina, and that the viewers were able to see the capabilities for fast transfer using different types of vehicles, such as ATVs, armored vehicles (‘Vihor’ and ‘Despot’), and new passenger vehicles (Hilux and Amarok). 

‘This was a multidisciplinary exercise – there was also the vertical, air component. We had the opportunity of see the highest level of capabilities of the Ministry of the Interior and the Republic of Srpska Police in performing both regular and special tasks’, Minister Budimir said. 

Head of the Training Centre, Mr Vedran Simić, said that the exercise demonstrated successful implementation of the joint and coordinated action of the aforementioned units and the civil sector.

The Republic of Srpska Prime Minister, Mr Savo Minić, said that the special units of the Republic of Srpska Ministry of the Interior were well trained and equipped, and that through the demonstration exercise, they showed that they were absolutely ready to respond to any challenge. 

The President of the Republic of Srpska National Assembly, Mr Nenad Stevandić, said that he was pleased with the level of proficiency, speed and coordination of the units of the Ministry of the Interior. 

President Milorad Dodik said that the police officers of the Republic of Srpska Ministry of the Interior were exemplary patriots ready to protect the Republic of Srpska in every moment – and the Republic of Srpska must respond by improving their personal standards and equipping all units whose aim is maintaining any of the security aspects. 

The Republic of Srpska Police Director, Mr Siniša Kostrešević, also attended the exercise. 

The tactical exercise ‘KOZARA 2026’ was organized on the occasion of celebrating 10th anniversary of establishing the Training Centre of the Republic of Srpska Ministry of the Interior. 

The members of the Training Centre, Special Anti-Terrorist Unit, Gendarmerie, Administration for Police Support, Administration for Aviation, Banja Luka Police Administration, Prijedor PA, and ICT Administration.