The Italian army arrived in Ploče: after landing they started towards Čapljina

Italian troops arrived in Ploče by sea and continued their journey by road toward Capljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of preparations for the annual EUFOR Quick Response 2026 exercise. The move took place on August 22, 2026, around 18:38 local time. After disembarking at Ploče Port, the Italian military personnel proceeded via road to Capljina, where they will join other forces in setting up for the upcoming operation. This deployment marks one component of a broader effort to reinforce troop presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead of the multi-national training exercise scheduled from August 22 to September 3. The arrival of the Italian contingent was part of a coordinated movement of additional forces from multiple countries, including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Hungary, Romania, and others. These units are arriving through different routes, by sea, land, rail, and air, to test the rapid deployment capabilities of EUFOR. According to officials with the mission, this exercise aims to evaluate how quickly reserve forces can be integrated into operations and ensure coordination among troops from diverse nations. EUFOR officials emphasized that the exercise is designed to simulate real-world scenarios, allowing participating forces to practice responding to potential crises. During the operation, increased activity is expected, with visible movements of soldiers, vehicles, equipment, and helicopters across several areas, including Capljina. Residents in the region have been advised to anticipate heightened traffic and military presence during the duration of the exercise. The exercise, known as Quick Response 2026, involves troops from 24 countries and focuses on enhancing readiness and interoperability. It includes both field exercises and command-level drills aimed at improving response times and operational efficiency. The inclusion of reserve forces underscores the importance of maintaining flexibility within the EU’s civilian-led peacekeeping missions. The Italian contribution reflects its ongoing commitment to regional security and cooperation under the framework of the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy. Capljina, located in central Bosnia and Herzegovina, has become a key location for recent military activities due to its strategic position and infrastructure. The area has hosted previous joint exercises and continues to serve as a hub for multinational operations. Local authorities have expressed support for the exercise, noting its role in strengthening collective defense mechanisms and fostering international collaboration. As the exercise progresses, further details about the specific objectives and activities in Capljina are expected to emerge. The involvement of Italian troops highlights the dynamic nature of EUFOR operations and the continuous efforts to adapt to evolving security challenges in the Balkans. With the exercise set to conclude on September 3, the focus will shift towards evaluating outcomes and refining future responses to similar scenarios.