CFB VALCARTIER, Que. — About 120 soldiers will replace troops in Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of Canada's contribution to provide security in the Balkans.

The military operation called Palladium is Canada's contribution to NATO's stabilization force in the Balkans.

The soldiers from the base, near Quebec City, were to depart Wednesday night. Similar flights will take place until April 1.

Canadian soldiers have rotated every six months since first being deployed there in February 1992.

During this 14th rotation, nearly 550 soldiers from Quebec will relieve the contingent of the 2nd Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. The troops from CFB Petawawa in Ontario have been in place since October.

The soldiers will be responsible for providing security to allow national institutions to develop and function to promote peace, said a news release from the Valcartier base.