EUFOR, 1992'de düşürülen İtalyan askerlerini Bosna'da andı

In Bosnia, EUFOR commemorates the four Italian soldiers from Flight G222 shot down in 1992

(ANSA) - SARAJEVO, 01 SET - At the site where the tragedy unfolded 34 years ago—Mount Zec near the municipality of Fojnica— Sarajevo Canton, a tribute was paid once again to the four Italian soldiers who were part of the crew of Flight G222 “Lyra 34,” shot down on September 3, 1992, during the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aircraft, which was transporting humanitarian aid as part of United Nations operations to support the civilian population then trapped under the city’s siege, was just minutes from landing when it was struck by two surface-to-air missiles. The plane exploded in midair and crashed on the summit of Mount Zec. Major Marco Betti (Pilot), Lieutenant Marco Rigliaco (Pilot), Master Sergeant Giuseppe Buttaglieri (Engineer), and Master Sergeant Giuliano Velardi (Electromechanical Technician) lost their lives in the crash; all were posthumously awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valor. The commemoration, held at the site of the tragedy, served as a moment of reflection and remembrance to honor the sacrifice of the four Italian servicemembers, who died in the line of duty while contributing, as part of an international mission, to assisting the civilian population affected by the conflict. The ceremony was attended by the Italian Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarah Castellani; the Commander of EUFOR “Althea,” Major General Maurizio Fronda, the Commander of the 46th Air Brigade, Air Force Brigadier General Luca Mazzini, the Defense Attaché at the Italian Embassy in Belgrade, Colonel Aurelio Costa, and representatives of the Armed Forces and local institutions. The wreath-laying ceremony at the monument dedicated to the Fallen of Sarajevo renewed the bond between the local community and Italy, as a testament to a memory that continues to unite those who, 34 years later, cherish its legacy. During the ceremony, the Ambassador, in her remarks, reiterated Italy’s condolences for the sacrifice of the four servicemen and emphasized the importance of Italy’s presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina: “The memory of those who lost their lives in the line of duty remains alive and serves as a reminder of the responsibility that Italy continues to shoulder in support of peace, stability, and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” Read article...