Two US Air Force B-1B Lancer bomber aircrafts performed a flight over Sarajevo on Tuesday afternoon, as a sign of friendship and support of the US to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as pointed out by ambassador Michael Murphy.

This sort of event is not unusual and is not aimed for intimidation, Murphy said, stressing that this is only another sign of a permanent cooperation and partnership between the US and BiH.

“One of the soldiers said we were here to help each other. We are also proud of the partnership,” the ambassador was quoted as saying.

Commenting on the criticism that came from Milorad Dodik, the President of Bosnia's Republika Srpska entity, Murphy said that “Dodik is free to talk to us if he has any problem with that.”

Zukan Helez, Bosnia's Defence Minister, also emphasised the importance of the cooperation between the US and BiH, adding that “this is a message that the US guarantees territorial integrity of BiH.”

US Air Force bomber aircrafts to perform a flight over Bosnia

“I repeat, this is our key military-political ally,” he underlined.

Asked about the procedures in which the flight has been organised, Helez replied that the Presidency of BiH's approval was not necessary.

“Everything was done as prescribed. Every day we are getting closer to NATO alliance,” said the minister.

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Zeljko Komsic, the Croat member of Bosnia's tripartite Presidency, said the performance was important and means a compensation for something that Bosnian Armed Forces don't have.

“And it is good to know at certain moments that you have someone to call,” he added.