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Bosnian War: the story on HearLore | HearLore
— Ch. 1 · The Collapse Of Yugoslavia —
Bosnian War.
~11 min read · Ch. 1 of 7
On the 6th of April 1992, the newly independent Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina received international recognition. This date marked the start of a three-year armed conflict that would become the most violent in Europe since World War II. The war emerged from the breakup of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia after decades of ethnic nationalism renaissance in the 1980s. In March 1989, Serbian President Slobodan Milošević adopted constitutional amendments allowing Serbia to dominate Kosovo and Vojvodina. This shift gave Serbia control over three out of eight votes in the Yugoslav presidency. Other republics objected strongly to this centralization of power. By January 1990, Slovene and Croatian delegates left the League of Communists Congress because they could not agree on federal reforms. Alija Izetbegović proposed an asymmetrical federation in February 1991 but later changed his position to support sovereign independence for Bosnia. On the 25th of June 1991, Slovenia and Croatia declared their own independence. Armed conflicts erupted immediately in both regions. The Yugoslav People's Army abandoned efforts to control Slovenia by July 1991 while fighting intensified in Croatia until a ceasefire was agreed in January 1992. During this period, Bosnian Serb political leaders began organizing autonomous regions within Bosnia. Radovan Karadžić and Muhamed Filipović drafted the Zulfikarpašić, Karadžić agreement in July 1991. This document aimed to keep Bosnia in a state union with Serbia and Montenegro. Croat political parties denounced the initiative immediately. The European Economic Community hosted a conference in August 1991 trying to prevent war. United Nations Security Council Resolution 713 imposed an arms embargo on all former Yugoslav territories in September 1991. This embargo had little effect on Serbian forces who inherited JNA equipment while Croat and Bosniak forces obtained weapons through Croatia. By October 1991, the JNA attacked and leveled the Croat village of Ravno. Alija Izetbegović gave a televised proclamation of neutrality stating it was not their war. He told parliament that the presence of the Army was a stabilizing factor. Yet tensions continued to rise as Serb paramilitaries committed massacres against civilians. On the 1st of March 1992, a Serbian wedding was fired upon during the independence referendum. Nikola Gardović, the bridegroom's father, was killed by Ramiz Delalić, a gangster member of the Green Berets. Barricades appeared the following morning at key transit points across Sarajevo. Sporadic fighting broke out between Serbs and government forces all across the territory.
Three Factions And Armies
The conflict involved three main factions with distinct ethnic compositions and military structures. The Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina formed the armed forces loyal to the central government. Sefer Halilović claimed his forces were 70% Muslim, 18% Croat and 12% Serb in June 1992. General Jovan Divjak served as deputy commander of the Bosnian Army Headquarters as the highest-ranking ethnic Serb. General Stjepan Šiber, an ethnic Croat, held the position of second deputy commander. Colonel Blaž Kraljević commanded Croatian Defence Forces in Herzegovina before his assassination seven days later. The Croatian Defence Council established itself on the 8th of April 1992 as the supreme body of Croatian defense in Herzeg-Bosnia. Its headquarters operated from Mostar, Tomislavgrad, Vitez and Orašje. In February 1993, HVO Main Staff estimated their strength at 34,080 officers and men. Their armaments included around 50 main battle tanks and 500 various artillery weapons. The Army of Republika Srpska was established on the 12th of May 1992 under the command of General Ratko Mladić. This force remained loyal to Republika Srpska, the Serbian-populated portion that did not wish to break away from Yugoslavia. Radovan Karadžić stated their optimum goal was a Greater Serbia or Federal Yugoslavia. Throughout the war, the VRS received logistical support, money and supplies from Serbia. Paramilitary units operated alongside regular armies including White Eagles, Serbian Volunteer Guard, Patriotic League and Green Berets. Foreign fighters joined all sides for religious, ethnic or financial reasons. Greek volunteers of the Greek Volunteer Guard participated in the Srebrenica Massacre with flags hoisted when the town fell. Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence secretly supplied Muslim fighters with arms and guided anti-tank missiles starting in 1992. Saudi Arabia provided $300 million in weapons to government forces according to The Washington Post. These foreign contributions helped balance military power despite UN arms embargoes.
Camps And Systematic Atrocities
World public opinion became shaken by concentration camps established throughout Bosnia during the conflict. Following the occupation of Prijedor region, Muslim civilians were captured and transported to facilities like Omarska, Trnopolje, Keraterm and Manjača. Thousands endured months of inhumane treatment and torture within these detention centers. A significant number were killed or disappeared marking the gravest crimes until the Srebrenica genocide three years later. Other camps existed for non-Serbs including Luka, Liplje, Batković, Sušica and Uzamnica. Specialized camps for rape operations operated in Foča and Višegrad. Bosniaks and Croats also set up camps though they held significantly fewer prisoners. The Čelebići camp near Konjic operated from May to December 1992 detaining Bosnian Serb prisoners of war. Of 700 prisoners at least 13 died while in captivity under conditions involving torture, sexual assaults and beatings. Certain prisoners were shot or beaten to death. On the 16th of April 1994, HVO forces launched an attack on Ahmići east of Vitez. Groups of irregular units went house to house burning homes and killing civilians. When Croat forces arrived they left all Croats alone and massacred Bosniaks who could not flee in time. More than 100 Bosniak civilians died in this single incident discovered by UN peacekeeping troops of the Cheshire Regiment. The Bosnian Government dedicated a monument to all 116 victims elsewhere in the area. During June and July 1993, prison camps formed in Dretelj near Čapljina and Heliodrom while ARBiH established facilities in Potoci and eastern Mostar schools. At least 13 Croat civilians were killed by ARBiH in Grabovica massacre during September 1993. Twenty-nine Croat civilians and one prisoner died in Uzdol massacre on the 14th of September. Thirty-seven Bosniaks were killed by HVO in Stupni Do massacre on the 23rd of October used as excuse for further attacks.
International Diplomacy And Intervention
United Nations Protection Force initially deployed in Croatia had its mandate extended into Bosnia and Herzegovina in June 1992. Its role expanded to protect humanitarian aid and assist relief delivery across the whole country. On the 6th of May 1993, UN Security Council Resolution 824 declared safe havens around Sarajevo, Goražde, Srebrenica, Tuzla, Žepa and Bihać. Resolution 836 passed on the 4th of June authorized use of force by UNPROFOR protecting these zones. NATO became actively involved when jets shot down four Serb aircraft over central Bosnia on the 28th of February 1994. United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali formally requested NATO air strikes following the Markale massacre on the 5th of February 1994. Sixty-eight people died when a 120 millimeter artillery shell landed in crowded marketplace center. Fourteen more wounded in that single attack making it deadliest during entire siege. Only Greece failed to support air strike proposal though did not veto it. NATO issued ultimatum demanding removal of heavy weapons around Sarajevo by midnight 20, the 21st of February or face consequences. Large-scale removal began the 17th of February 1994 giving Sarajevo first casualty-free day since April 1992. Operation Deny Flight commenced the 12th of April 1993 enforcing no-fly zone over Bosnia-Herzegovina. International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia established the 25th of May 1993 through Security Council Resolution 827. Vance-Owen Peace Plan revealed January 1993 envisioned ten autonomous provinces but rejected in referendum 15, the 16th of May 1993. Owen-Stoltenberg plan presented August 1993 would have partitioned territory into three ethnic states with Serbs receiving 52% and Muslims 30%. Alija Izetbegović rejected this arrangement on the 29th of August. NATO planes carried out limited airstrikes against Serb tanks attacking Goražde enclave April 1994 forcing compliance with withdrawal conditions.
Siege Of Sarajevo
On the 6th of April 1992, Serb forces began shelling Sarajevo crossing the Drina from Serbia proper within two days. They besieged Bosniak-majority Zvornik, Višegrad and Foča while all of Bosnia became engulfed in war by mid-April. The siege lasted nearly four years becoming longest in modern history. On the 5th of February 1994 Sarajevo suffered its deadliest single attack when Markale marketplace shell killed 68 people. Another 144 wounded in that incident making it most devastating during entire conflict. World public opinion turned decisively against Serbs following media reports on sniping and shelling campaigns. United Nations Security Council Resolution 757 imposed sanctions on the 30th of May through civilian casualties of the 27th of May shelling. Boutros-Ghali issued ultimatum the 26th of June requiring Serbs stop attacks allow UN airport takeover place heavy weapons under supervision. Airport crisis led to street fighting between city and airport territory despite the 20th of June ceasefire executed for humanitarian flights. Media reported Bush considered use of force in Bosnia as global sentiment hardened against Serbian actions. Civilian casualties mounted daily with mortar attacks delivered to hospitals throughout 1992. By early 1994, NATO authorized Commander Allied Forces Southern Europe US Admiral Jeremy Boorda launch air strikes against artillery positions responsible for civilian attacks. Only Greece failed supporting proposal though did not veto. Large-scale removal of Bosnian-Serb heavy weapons began the 17th of February 1994 giving Sarajevo first casualty-free day since April 1992. The siege ended only after Dayton Accords initialed the 21st of November 1995 ending three years of constant bombardment.
Croat And Bosniak Fighting
The Croat-Bosniak alliance formed at war beginning often proved unharmonious causing coordination problems between parallel commands. Attempt creating joint HVO and TO military headquarters mid-April failed completely. Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation signed the 21st of July 1992 by Tuđman and Izetbegović establishing military cooperation. Bosnian Presidency accepted HVO integral part armed forces session held the 6th of August. Despite these attempts tensions steadily increased second half 1992. Armed conflict occurred Busovača early May another one the 13th of June Novi Travnik the 19th of June. Incidents recorded Konjic July Kiseljak August Stup Sarajevo during same month. Constitutional Court declared proclamation Herzeg-Bosnia unconstitutional the 14th of September dispute petrol station near Novi Travnik escalated the 18th of October. Situation worsened after HVO Commander Ivica Stojak killed near Travnik the 20th of October fighting escalated ARBiH roadblock main road Lašva Valley spontaneous clashes spread region resulting almost 50 casualties until ceasefire negotiated UNPROFOR the 21st of October. Major battle started Prozor town northern Herzegovina the 23rd of October resulted HVO victory. VRS captured Jajce the 29th of October defended both HVO and ARBiH lack cooperation troop size firepower advantage led fall town. Croat refugees fled Herzegovina Croatia while around 20,000 Bosniak refugees settled Travnik Novi Travnik Vitez Busovača villages near Zenica. Despite October confrontations no large-scale clashes general military alliance still effective Tuđman Izetbegović met Zagreb the 1st of November agreeing establish Joint Command. Much 1993 dominated Croat-Bosniak War beginning January HVO ARBiH clashed Gornji Vakuf central Bosnia temporary ceasefire reached days fighting UNPROFOR mediation. War spread Busovača second half January Busovača main intersection point lines communication Lašva Valley. By the 26th of January ARBiH seized villages Kaćuni Bilalovac Busovača-Kiseljak road isolating Kiseljak from Busovača.
Peace And Final Operations
The forced deportations of Bosniaks from Serb-held territories continued escalating refugee crisis throughout 1994. Thousands people bused out each month threatened religious grounds resulting strain Croatian economy infrastructure mid-1994 authorities forbade entry group 462 refugees fleeing northern Bosnia forcing UNPROFOR improvise shelter. Between the 30th of March and the 23rd of April 1994 Serbs launched major offensive town primary objective overrunning Goražde. Secretary General UN citing Security Resolution 836 threatened airstrikes Serbian forces attacking enclave next two days NATO planes carried air strikes against tanks outposts attacks did little stop overwhelming Bosnian Serb Army. VRS surrounded 150 UNPROFOR soldiers taking hostages Goražde knowing fall unless foreign intervention occurred NATO issued ultimatum forced compliance conditions requiring withdrawal all militias 3 km town by the 23rd of April artillery armored vehicles the 26th of April VRS complied. Croat-Bosniak war ended signing ceasefire agreement HVO Chief Staff general Ante Roso ARBiH Chief Staff general Rasim Delić the 23rd of February 1994 Zagreb agreement went effect the 25th of February. Peace agreement Washington Agreement mediated US concluded the 2nd of March representatives Republic Bosnia Herzegovina Croatia Herzeg-Bosnia signed the 18th of March Washington combined territory held HVO ARBiH divided autonomous cantons Federation Bosnia Herzegovina. Tuđman Izetbegović also signed preliminary agreement confederation Croatia Federation Bosnia Herzegovina. First military effort coordinated HVO ARBiH following Washington Agreement advance towards Kupres retaken VRS the 3rd of November 1994. HV HVO initiated Operation Winter '94 southwestern Bosnia the 29th of November month fighting Croat forces took around VRS-held territory directly threatening main supply route Republika Srpska Knin capital Republic Serbian Krajina primary objective relieving pressure Bihać pocket not achieved although ARBiH repelled VRS attacks enclave. Pakistan ignored UN ban supply arms airlifted anti-tank missiles Bosnian Muslims turning tide favor Bosnian Muslims forcing Serbs lift siege. NATO intervened 1995 Operation Deliberate Force targeting positions Army Republika Srpska proving key ending war. Cease-fires previously agreed September 14 the 5th of October 1995 peace negotiations held Dayton Ohio war ended when Dayton Accords initialed the 21st of November 1995 formally signed Paris the 14th of December. By early 2008 International Criminal Tribunal former Yugoslavia convicted forty-five Serbs twelve Croats four Bosniaks war crimes connection war estimates suggest over 100,000 people killed during conflict. Over 2.2 million displaced making most violent conflict Europe since end World War II estimated 12,000, 50,000 women raped mainly carried out Serb forces victims being Bosniak women.
The Bosnian War started on the 6th of April 1992 when international recognition was granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The conflict ended on the 21st of November 1995 with the initialing of the Dayton Accords.
Who were the main factions in the Bosnian War?
The three main factions were the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Croatian Defence Council, and the Army of Republika Srpska. These groups represented Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs respectively throughout the three-year armed conflict.
What happened during the Srebrenica Massacre?
Greek volunteers of the Greek Volunteer Guard participated in the Srebrenica Massacre while flags were hoisted as the town fell. This event marked one of the gravest crimes committed during the war alongside other concentration camp atrocities.
How many people died in the Markale marketplace attack?
Sixty-eight people died when a 120 millimeter artillery shell landed in the crowded marketplace center on the 5th of February 1994. Fourteen more people were wounded in that single attack making it the deadliest incident during the entire siege of Sarajevo.
When was the Washington Agreement signed?
The Washington Agreement was concluded on the 2nd of March 1994 by representatives from the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. The combined territory held by HVO and ARBiH was divided into autonomous cantons following this peace agreement.