Operation Storm: August 5, 1995

Operation Storm, known as “Oluja” in Croatian, was a pivotal military offensive launched by the Croatian Army on August 5, 1995, during the Croatian War of Independence. This operation marked a significant turning point in the conflict, leading to the end of the war and the reintegration of Croatian territories that had been under the control of rebel Serb forces.

Background

The Croatian War of Independence began in 1991 following Croatia’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia. The war was characterized by ethnic tensions and territorial disputes, primarily between Croats and Serbs. By 1995, the self-declared Republic of Serbian Krajina (RSK), supported by the Yugoslav People’s Army and Serbian paramilitary forces, controlled approximately one-third of Croatian territory.

The Offensive

• Date: August 4-7, 1995
• Objective: The primary goal of Operation Storm was to reclaim the Krajina region, which included key towns such as Knin, the capital of the RSK.
• Forces Involved: The operation involved around 100,000 Croatian soldiers, supported by artillery, tanks, and air strikes. The Croatian forces were well-prepared and coordinated, having learned from previous military engagements.

Key Events

1. Launch of the Offensive: The operation commenced in the early hours of August 4, 1995, with a massive artillery barrage targeting Serb positions. This was followed by a rapid ground assault.

2. Capture of Knin: By August 5, Croatian forces had captured Knin, dealing a significant blow to the RSK. The fall of Knin was symbolic, as it was the administrative center of the Serb-held territories.

3. Rapid Advances: Croatian troops advanced swiftly, overwhelming the Serb defenses. Within a few days, most of the Krajina region was under Croatian control.

Consequences

• Humanitarian Impact: The operation resulted in a large-scale exodus of Serb civilians, with estimates of up to 200,000 fleeing the region. This mass displacement has been a subject of controversy and debate regarding the conduct of the operation.

• End of the War: Operation Storm effectively ended the Croatian War of Independence, leading to the reintegration of the Krajina region into Croatia. It also paved the way for the Dayton Agreement, which brought peace to Bosnia and Herzegovina later that year.

• International Reactions: The operation was met with mixed reactions internationally. While it was seen as a decisive military success for Croatia, it also drew criticism for the humanitarian consequences and alleged war crimes committed during and after the offensive.

Historical Significance

Operation Storm is considered one of the largest European land battles since World War II and remains a significant event in the history of the Balkans. It demonstrated the effectiveness of the Croatian military and marked a crucial step towards the stabilization of the region. However, the operation’s legacy is complex, with ongoing discussions about its humanitarian impact and the broader implications for post-war reconciliation and justice in the Balkans.