December 30, 1995
Web posted at: 12:45 p.m. EST (1745 GMT)
From correspondents Jim Clancy and Jill Dougherty
ZUPANJA, Croatia (CNN) -- An American soldier was wounded Saturday in Bosnia when his vehicle hit a land mine, making him the first U.S. military casualty of the NATO peacekeeping mission.
The incident occurred near Bijela, Bosnia approximately 30 miles north of Tuzla where U.S. troops are based.
A U.S. administration official told CNN the soldier's injuries are "not life threatening." The soldier, reportedly wounded in the heel and calf, was said to be in stable condition.
"He's going to be all right," a spokesman at the field hospital where the soldier was treated told CNN.
The soldier's vehicle, a Humvee carrying two occupants on a reconnaissance mission, was damaged. Other vehicles were on the patrol with the Humvee but did not hit the mine. There were no reports of additional injuries. A U.S. military spokesman identified the explosive device as an "anti-tank blast mine."
The soldier was brought by helicopter to a field hospital in Zupanja, Croatia along the Sava River where U.S. engineers are constructing a bridge.
Appearing for a photo opportunity before the start of budget talks Saturday, President Clinton said "I am very sorry this happened." He added that land mines have been a safety concern since the start of the mission.
A statement from military spokesman U.S. Army Col. Bob Gaylord. (445K AIFF sound or 445K WAV sound)
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