Lyce · Hybrid Watch

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Training camp in Republika Srpska for drone and explosive device operatives linked to Russia.

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A joint investigation uncovered that instructors connected to Russian private-military or hybrid-warfare networks had organised training for individuals in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Republika Srpska) on drone operations, making explosive devices and crowd-control tactics. According to the report, some trainees carried drones, explosives-making manuals and equipment when arrested at the border in autumn 2024, following the training camp in BiH and Serbia. The geographic significance lies in the use of Bosnia’s territory — not just as a transit area, but as a location for training hybrid-warfare proxies tied to Russia’s strategic agenda in the Western Balkans. The dynamics show how Russia’s hybrid strategy may rely on training and proxy-mobilisation within Bosnia to plant latent capability, rather than overt military strikes, increasing risk over time. Because the attribution references Russian-connected instructors and their network, it aligns with your focus on Russian Federation operations, though direct physical sabotage or public attribution remains limited.

Occurrence
Publication
First observed
Review status
Not assessed
Countries
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Updated

Attribution

Official

Facts

No facts

Sources

  1. Role
    Discovery lead
    Publication

    A joint investigation uncovered that instructors connected to Russian private-military or hybrid-warfare networks had organised training for individuals in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Republika Srpska) on drone operations, making explosive devices and crowd-control tactics. According to the report, some trainees carried drones, explosives-making manuals and equipment when arrested at the border in autumn 2024, following the training camp in BiH and Serbia. The geographic significance lies in the use of Bosnia’s territory — not just as a transit area, but as a location for training hybrid-warfare proxies tied to Russia’s strategic agenda in the Western Balkans. The dynamics show how Russia’s hybrid strategy may rely on training and proxy-mobilisation within Bosnia to plant latent capability, rather than overt military strikes, increasing risk over time. Because the attribution references Russian-connected instructors and their network, it aligns with your focus on Russian Federation operations, though direct physical sabotage or public attribution remains limited.