VLASENICA. Bosnia-Herzegovina. Apr 3* Rolling fields and forests of eastern Bosnia may hold evidence qf Serb slaughter of thousands of Muslims. On Wednesday, investigators begin surveying for mass graves, reports AP.

The US Army is providing security and other services for the investigators, whose Job it Is to unlock the secrets buned in the thawing ground.

An estimated 7.000 Muslims have been missing since the Serb assault that captured the eastern Bosnian enclave of Srebrenica in July. Survivors say the Serbs systematically killed men and buried them in mass graves.

Investigators from the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yygoslavia planned their mission Tuesday in a meeting with US military officers at nearby Caqip Lisa.

headquarters of the 2nd Brigade. 1st Armored Division in Vlasenlca. The brigade Is providing the security.

Suspected mass grave sites have been identified near both Srebrenica and Zvornik.

Srebrenica is about 20 kilometres (12 miles) to the southeast of Vlasenlca. site of the US camp. Zvornik is about 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Srebrenica.

Jean Rene Ruez said his six member team of investigators would begin surveying sites on Wednesday, but declined to provide details.

Col. John Batiste, of Jaffrey, New Hampshire, commander of the 2nd Brigade, said the team would initially conduct reconnaissance of suspected grave sites.

Military sources who requested anonymity indicated

there would be no major digging for a week or so. Team members will first survey seven sites.

The war crimes tribunal has Indicted Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic and his military commander, Gen. Ratko Mladic, for their alleged role in the massacres.

Two Bosnian Serb soldiers suspected of taking part have been extradited from Serbia to the tribunal at The Hague

Batiste Said he would provide a quick reaction force of less than 100 troops, eight Bradley fighting vehicles, artillery. and attack helicopters for security.

Asked if he expected any trouble from the Serbs, in whose territory the sites lie. Baiste said he had assurance of support from the Bosnian Serb army and local police.