Capt Steve Hawken
First published in
SFOR Informer#171, June, 2004

Determining the success of any operation always depends on the achievement of the mission. Some are more successful than others. Such was the case for Multi-National Brigade North West's OP CULVERIN, which took place from 15-29 April 04 in and around the Prnjavor area in the eastern part of the brigade's AOR.

The intent of the mission was to conduct a harvest operation that would help to identify and disrupt organized weapons caches in the Prnjavor area. It was further aimed at demonstrating, to both the citizens and local authorities, SFOR's ongoing commitment to peace and security throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.

OP CULVERIN was an overwhelming success. During the two-week operation, Brigade members from across the AOR operated in tandem with the local police and authorities to seize a significant amount of equipment and ammunition. The brigade elements included the Canadian Recce Sqn, the brigade's helicopter detachment, members from the Liaison Observation Teams (LOT), as well as the battle group, The Princess's of Wales Own Regiment of Yorkshire.

"A significant quantity of war-like stores were found during OP CULVERIN," said MNB (NW) Deputy Commander, Colonel Crispian Beattie. "However, it is equally important to stress that a great amount of material was given up voluntarily by the local population, which was partly due to the tremendous cooperation received from the local authorities."

In all, over 65,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition were collected during the harvest operation. Of significance, 153 weapons of various types and calibers were gathered, along with over 600 grenades, 31 mortar rounds, 31.5 kg of explosives and 17 land mines. There were also on a number of unexpected finds such as ten SA7 anti-aircraft missiles and two functional 20mm anti-aircraft gun stations. The VRS were instrumental in the removal of the harvested weapons and provided relevant advice to some of the Canadian EOD team members for the safe transportation and disposal of the explosives.

"It is quite clear from this operation that there is still a great deal of dangerous equipment out there," said Colonel Beattie. "But with the continued cooperation and support from the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we hope to continue to remove and destroy all of it safely."