Many of the worst atrocities are attributed to Mujahedeen fighters

They are the most senior Bosnian soldiers to stand before the tribunal. All three have denied charges of murder, wanton destruction and inhumane treatment.

The 19-count indictment charges the three officers with failing to prevent men under their command from committing atrocities that they knew, or should have known, were about to happen.

The tribunal has not charged the men with personally committing or ordering specific illegal acts, but said all three were experienced and professional officers accustomed to military command and discipline.

Mehmed Alagic:

General Mehmed Alagic is the best known of the three accused

The 54-year-old retired general shot to prominence in 1993 when he delivered the first victory for Bosnian Government forces, after a year of defeats, by rolling back Croat forces in central Bosnia.

While correspondents say his Third Corps had a generally good record, men under General Alagic's command are blamed for several atrocities in that campaign.

General Alagic gained a post-war reputation for corruption and was this year handed a four-year jail term for abuse of power while he was mayor of Sanski Most.

Enver Hadzihasanovic:

General Enver Hadzihasanovic took over the Third Corps

General Hadzihasanovic, 51, succeeded General Alagic as commander of the Third Corps.

He also led the reconfigured Croat-Muslim forces when they were given post-war training by United States instructors.

Amir Kubura:

Colonel Kubura led the controversial 7th Muslim Brigade

Retired Colonel Kubura commanded the most controversial unit under General Alagic's command - the 7th Muslim Brigade.

While most units in the government army contained some Serbs, Croats and those of mixed ethnic parentage, Colonel Kubura's brigade was tightly segregated.

Its soldiers worked closely with the Mujahedeen, units of self-styled Muslim militants from the Middle East.