"Operation Alba": A European Approach to Peace Support Operations in the Balkans
Abstract
In March 1997 the economic and social situation in Albania degenerated severely and plunged the country into chaos. In order to avoid a civil conflict in that country, the UN Security Council approved Resolution 1011 for the dispatch of a multinational military contingent with the objective of restoring the living conditions in Albania and the expeditious delivery of humanitarian aid to the population. The 7,000-person strong multinational security force led by Italy to help restore order and secure safe elections, deployed in April 1997. Italian forces completed their withdrawal on 12 August. This operation, in which 11 European countries took part, enabled democratic elections to take place and the resumption of control by governmental institutions. This paper examines the causes of this crisis, the reaction of the European countries, the development of such an operation, its effects on the situation in the Balkans, and provides some evaluations on the conduct of the operation from a military point of view. The paper is divided into five sections that will cover the following issues: (1) Political and social situation in Albania in 1997; (2) Conditions for the deployment of a multinational force; (3) Conduct of "Alba Operation"; (4) Consequences; and (5) Evaluations on the conduct of the military operation and conclusion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 10, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA378201
Entities
People
- Riccardo Marchio
Organizations
- United States Army War College