Material traducido por Bar Croata (at the end is in english)
La decisión
Cuando el presidente Tudjman regresó de Brijuni hacia Zagreb un 3 de agosto estaba claro que la decisión se había tomado. Noticias de Ginebra confirmaron anteriormente que las estimaciones previas por lo cual los líderes de los rebeldes serbios no estan tomando con seriedad la situación y la determinación de las políticas del estado Croata para poner un fin a la rebelión y la secesión. Mirando hacia atrás, ese jueves unos pocos hechos significantes surgieron. La situación internacional era particularmente favorable hacia Croacia. Los americanos estaban furiosos hacia los serbios referente a Srebenica y Zepa. Ellos tácitamente consideraron que los croatas podían ofrecer una ayuda rápida y eficiente a Bihac. Las fuerzas armadas croatas estaban rápidamente moviendo sus fuerzas. En adición a los 80.000 soldados y oficiales, unos 70.000 mas fueron movilizados (2do echelon) y 50.000 en el tercer Echelon. No habia una ciudad o area urbana que no participe en la operación de defensa. Todos juntos, 200.000 fuerzas de combate estaban listos para la acción. 25 brigadas totalmente equipadas enfrentaron las posiciones en la zona de los rebeldes.
Zagreb irá hasta el final.
Los analistas bien informados descifraron que no había accion restringida esta vez. Zagreb ira hasta el final a pesar de las advertencias de sus aliados que la resistencia de los rebeldes sera muy fuerte o quizás imbatible. Los alemanes creyeron que la intervención de la milicia croata seria inevitable. La inteligencia americana esperaba que los croatas sean exitosos si es que ellos traerían la operación al termino de 7 a 10 dias y teniendo perdidas humanas propias cerca de unas 1000 personas entre fallecidas y heridos. Ninguno asumió que el plan secreto "Tormenta 95" estaba planificada como mas rápida aun. La desmoralizacion continua de los rebeldes serbios la cual no podía ser frenada siquiera por el soldado profesional Mile Mrk{i} se ha tomado en cuenta. El recibió instrucciones desde Belgrado para reorganizar la defensa de krajina y hacerla mas flexible. Estimaciones tácticas y estratégicas se pusieron sobre la mesa del presidente Croata 10 dias antes que la operación comenzara. la conclusión era unánime: Serbia no intervendría en el conflicto por razones de inestabilidad interna (incluyendo el conflicto ideológico y político con Radovan Karadjic y Milan Martic) a fin de satisfacer las ambiciones de Milosevic de obtener sanciones económicas que serian levantadas a principios de Octubre. Presidente Tudjman quería que todo sea verificado una vez mas. Antes de firmar la orden para la operación el hace 4 preguntas importantes: objetivos principales de ataque, como lograrlas, situación de las tropas croatas y una actualización de la situación de las tropas enemigas. "Tormenta 95 miró atentamente y con cuidado todos los escenarios. El Ministro de defensa Gojko Susak y la milicia e inteligencia de Croacia aprendió que las tropas rebeldes representaban un mosaico de incoherencia militar el cual se esperaba que caería en 5 a 7 días. Según la disponibilidad de información del presidente Tudjman se esperaba que la caída sea aun mas pronto, especialmente teniendo en cuenta el momento psicológico que atravesarán cuando vean que Belgrado los abandonaría.
Durante todas las preparaciones en el lado croata se tomo en cuenta que la intención hacia los rebeldes no podía ser ocultada debido a las grandes movilizaciones de personas en todo Croacia, por lo tanto el factor sorpresa no seria un punto a tomar en cuenta como en situaciones anteriores. pero la agravante no fueron las circunstancias. Por lo contrario, las demostraciones públicas de las concentraciones militares dio origen a la presión psicologica hacia los rebeldes quienes usaban sus formaciones armadas todo el tiempo como un medio para disuadir a los croatas en la realizacion de ataques mas serios. Incluso antes de Ginebra, Knin ya estaba parcialmente agitada.
Declarando el estado de guerra los lideres rebeldes estaban haciendo esfuerzos para reforzar sus formaciones y juntar 50.000 hombres (entre 5000 y 10.000 estaba la mejor edad y 20.000 eran o muy jóvenes o muy viejos). el liderazgo de la milicia rebelde estimo que que las zonas de ataque de los croatas seria Banija, Kordun y Lika para entrar luego a Bihac. Pero debido al hecho que los llamados Cuerpos 15, 21 y 39 tenian reservistas adicionales y dos tercios con armamento pesado serian lanzados y concentrados en el triangulo de Petrinja - camino a karlovac- Glina. Siete cuerpos de ejercito y armamentos livianos se dejaron para proteger Knin y el norte de Dalmacia lo cual no eran suficientes (los croatas evidentemente acumulaban sus tropas cerca de Zadar, Sibenik y Sinj). Aunque las amenazas desde Zagreb se incrementaban en la víspera de la "tormenta" ,los lideres rebeldes decidieron una vez mas que podrían contar en con un apoyo rápido por parte de los Bosnios Serbios (fuerza aérea y 10.000 hombres) y Milan Martic persistentemente explicaba a Belgrado que no seria pasivo esta vez. aunque los negociadores serbios, nerviosos desde Ginebra enviaban el mensaje que el ataque croata es inminente, el general Mrksic consideró que su fuerza básica de 37.000 hombres eran suficientes para enfrentar a la milicia croata y resistir 10 dias. Los 17.000 hombres de la llamada "fuerzas de la república Serbia de Krajina al este de Slavonia debería inmediatamente comenzar sus acciones en en el frente de linea y con una estrategia para poner presión sobre osijek y Vinkovci lo cual forzara a los Croatas a transferir parte de su reserva al frente este y así dando un poco de aire a la defensa en la parte norte de krajina.
Los serbios recordarán
En la tarde del 3 de Agosto, el detonador del conflicto era inevitable. In the evening of August 3rd, detonator of the conflict was inevitably ticking off last moments. La mecha que encendió el fuego por parte de serbios en Bosnia y Herzegovina estaba por explotar en Croacia. Parecia que nada ocurria a lo largo de los 700 KM de la linea de frente a las 3 AM del 4 de agosto. Pero 2000 cañones croatas estaban listos para encenderse. Una hora luego, la fuerza de paz de las Naciones Unidas en Croacia fueron oficalmente informadas que la operaciones de militares y policias comenzarian inevitablemente con el proposito de reestablecer la constitucion, la ley y el orden en los sectores norte y sur. Sin embargo nada paso en los proximos 60 minutos que molestase el amanecer calido y húmedo. Y exactamente a las 5 AM, la artilleria ataca como nunca visto. Los serbios recordaran ese amanecer. dia a dia eran alentados a no rendirse y a resistir. Nuestra fuerza seria las camisetas llenas de sangre. ellos no esperaban que caeria mucho acero sobre sus cabezas. De todos modos ellos sabian que los croatas eran superiores, pero su propaganda reclamaba que los luchadores de krajina no deben tener miedo de las fuerzas croatas. al mismo momento en el extremo de norte a sur el comando hacia eco: Fuego y se escuchaba el clamor de la artilleria croata esa mañana silenciosa de la cuasi republica serbia. Las salvas eran un tras otra durante 40 minutos sin descanso. En los comandos, barracas, fuertes, comandos y negocios serbios rapidamente se atrincheraron a medida que se acercaban y todos gritaban: ahi vienen los croatas.....estan vienendo por todos lados. Los hombres aterrorizados en los fuertes se vieron afectadas por el rebote de rocas, madera y ensordecidos por el ruido. El polvo y el humo era asfixiante. El cañón y el fuego del lanzacohetes fueron acompañados por un fuego de tanques croatas y los sonidos de las armas de infantería de Croacia, que comenzó un imparable avance a través de campos minados y alambres púa. En las líneas serbias, donde muchos se sorprendieron en su totalidad por el ruido de las explosiones, que no sabían qué hacer a continuación. En diez horas de lucha contra los serbios sufrieron mentalmente y comenzaron a desmoronarse. En cuatro días de las operaciones principales de las fuerzas armadas croatas han demostrado que están listos, con la presión metódica y continua de sus formaciones, para rodear completamente al rebelde "Krajina", como una almendra, que encendió de repente se encontró en la tuerca del craqueo con las pinzas. Los cargos de que demasiada fuerza se había utilizado son absurdas. En la guerra de liberación solo con muchas fuerzas se logra lo suficiente.
el 4 de agosto
La tormenta comenzó
Con la salida del sol, a las 5 am, la tormenta comenzó. La tormenta que barrió "Krajina" en cuatro días solamente. Mientras que los medios de comunicación electrónicos estaban transmitiendo el discurso del presidente Tudjman a los ciudadanos croatas de nacionalidad serbia que garantizó a ellos todos los derechos y exhortando a las tropas paramilitares para dar sus armas, les ofreció una amnistía, el ejército croata y la policía inició la liberación de cuatro largos años ocupados por los llamados sectores Norte y el Sur.
Huelga en Celavac
"A raíz de la acción decidida y fuerte, las tropas croatas penetraron en las líneas de 700 km de longitud frente a los 30 puntos, en Bjelovar, Zagreb, Karlovac, Gospic y la zona de Split", se dijo en Zagreb, en una conferencia de prensa, la misma tarde. Fuerza Aérea de Croacia lanzó un ataque con cohetes y la radio y la televisión con discapacidad transmisor Celavac. La profundidad de penetración de las fuerzas croatas osciló entre 5 y 15 km. Primer día de acción iba segun lo programado.
Sveti Rok liberada
Gran éxito del primer día de la acción era la liberación de Sveti Rok. Knin ya estaba cercada y las tropas croatas se encontraban en frente de la ciudad. Ministerio de Defensa afirmó que el ejército croata en su acción de liberar a los territorios de no demoler las ciudades o matar a civiles. ONURC se informó acerca de la acción antes de que empezara. A pesar de ello, algunos incidentes se produjeron y condujo a una pérdida de dos soldados de la ONU Checa. Serbios rebeldes tomaron represalias por sus propias pérdidas a atacar a los civiles en Sisak, Sibenik, Otocac, Gospic, Ogulin ...
El 5 de agosto
Knin se libera
Alrededor del mediodía llegó la noticia de última hora: las tropas croatas entraron en la ciudad de Knin. Knin se libera! En la fortaleza de Knin de la Edad Media se embandero con una gran bandera Croata. Los lugares de alrededor como Vrlika, Kijevo, Drnis, Zitnic, Benkovac, Gracac, Lovinac, Ljubovo fueron liberados también. Por la noche el 80% de los planes se llevaron a cabo. civiles serbios, a pesar de los repetidos llamamientos, de las autoridades croatas, a permanecer en sus hogares, se fueron huyendo de la zona. El ejército croata garantizo su retirada por las ciudades de Srb y Dvor. Ciudades de Petrinja, Glina, Udbina Slunj y pronto iban a ser liberados también.
la policía croata en Lovinac y Gracac
El establecimiento de las autoridades civiles comenzaron inmediatamente después de la liberación y la primera en llegar fueron las estaciones locales de policía. Comisaría Vrlika, Lovinac ... estaba escrito en las tablas que fueron colgados en la presencia de Iván Jarnjak, Ministro de asuntos internos. Al mismo tiempo, los serbios tomaron represalias, los civiles en los bombardeos Zupanja de Bosnia y en Osijek, Vinkovci, Nustar de Eslavonia oriental. Karlovac y Dubrovnik fueron atacados también.
Celebracion
En la noche del sábado, mientras que las tropas croatas avanzaban con las acciones de la liberación, Croacia estaba celebrando, abriendo botellas de champán. La gente se reía y lloraba al mismo tiempo. Feliz por la victoria que viene. Presidente Tudjman, escoltado por sus más cercanos colaboradores, se unieron a la celebración en la plaza principal de Zagreb.
6 de agosto
Dos ejércitos se unieron
se unió a las fuerzas croatas del HVO y el cuerpo del quinto ejército bosnio en la frontera entre Bosnia y Croacia en el río Korana cerca a Trzacka Rastela. Es evidente entonces, el enclave de Bihac se salvó y la comunicación estratégica Bihac - Knin fue cortado. Knin, Drnis, Kijevo tiene las estaciones de policía. Esa misma tarde, sólo 24 horas después de haber sido liberado, el Presidente Tudjman visitó el casco antiguo croata de Knin, donde se reunió por la brigada de 4 y 7 del ejército croata. "Liberación de Knin significa algo más que una liberación del territorio de Croacia y una ciudad de Croacia. Significa crear las condiciones para la estabilidad del Estado de Croacia para los siglos venideros", dijo el presidente Tudjman. Dr. Tudjman y su esposa Ankica fueron acompañados por el presidente del Parlamento, Viceprimer Ministros dr. Mate Granic, Skegro Borislav, dr. Ivica Kostovic, Ministro de Defensa Gojko Susak y muchos otros. Era tan esperado por el Ministro Jarnjak Iván y Ministro de asuntos marítimos, el tráfico y las comunicaciones Ivica Mudrinic quien afirmó que en ningún ferrocarril más de dos semanas Zagreb-Knin-Split estará plenamente operativo.
La llamada "Krajina" no existe más
La llamada "Krajina" ha dejado de existir. Petrinja, Slunj, Kostajnica, los lagos de Plitvice, Obrovac fueron liberados. Mayor general Tolj pidió una vez más a los serbios rebeldes de dar sus armas y rendirse. Sus fuerzas militares se desglosan: cuerpo de 21 (que rodeaban el 8 de agosto) fue cercado y los cuerpos de 15 y 39a se enfrentaban a situaciones similares.
Petrinja y Glina liberados
El domingo por la mañana el ejército croata libera Petrinja y 11 de la noche Glina habia cambiado de manos. Fue uno de los bastiones de la rebelión serbia.
El 7 de agosto
Karlovac celebra la paz
Poblaciones de Turanj y Tusilovic fueron liberados en el último día de la tormenta de acción, que dio un alivio a los habitantes de Karlovac que salieron a las calles de la ciudad para celebrar la paz después de 4 años de alertas.
La derrota de los rebeldes
El lunes, los chetnics se vieron obligados a abandonar Vojnic y Topusko, Gornji y Lapac Donji. Frente a una derrota militar total en Croacia, los aviones serbios despegaron del aeropuerto de Banja Luka y lanzaron ataques en varias ciudades croatas. Dos muertos y 11 heridos fueron reportados. Dos aviones de la "Eagle" fueron derribados mientras atacaban Mackovac y Bok Savski.
El ejército croata en la frontera con Croacia
A las 18:00 hs el ministro de defensa croata Gojko Susak anunció el fin de la tormenta de acción desde el aspecto militar. Las acciones policiales aún no se han llevado a cabo por algún tiempo más. Los serbios rebeldes rodearon en la región de Banovina. El ejército croata salió en las fronteras internacionalmente reconocidas de Croacia. 118 soldados croatas cayeron en acción y 620 fueron heridos hasta entonces. En días siguientes, mientras que en la búsqueda de la zona 174 muertos y 1.430 heridos que lamentar, todos juntos.
República de la Krajina Serbia
SUPREMO CONSEJO DE DEFENSA
Knin, 04 de agosto 1995
16.45 horas
No: 2-3113-1/95.
Debido a una situación de una nueva agresión a gran escala de la República de Croacia contra la República Serbia de Krajina y, a pesar de la defensa con éxito al principio, la mayor parte de Dalmacia del norte y la parte de Lika están en peligro de extinción. Después de haber considerado todos estos hechos
Decidimos
1. Para iniciar la evacuación de la población apta para el servicio militar de los municipios de Knin, Benkovac, Obrovac, Drnis y Gracac.
2. Evacuación que se llevarán a cabo de acuerdo con el plan hacia la dirección de Knin y, además, a través de Otric, y hacia Srb y Lapac.
3. UNPROFOR sede del Sector Sur-Knin que se solicitó el apoyo.
Knin, 04 de agosto 1995
Certificado por el Ejército de los serbios de la Sede dtd 04 de agosto 1995 a las 17.20 horas
en virtud del Reglamento. N º de arriba.
PRESIDENTE
Milla Martic
Hoy en día los nacionalistas serbios acusan a los croatas a la limpieza étnica y consideran la Operación Tormenta como un acto genocida, aunque la evacuación de civiles se ordenó inicialmente por el presidente serbio Milla Martić de la pseudo república de Krajina.
El presidente croata Franjo Tudjman aseguró que el derecho civil será respetado y no hay cargos a presentar contra todos los civiles que no incurrió en crímenes de guerra, sin embargo, optaron por el orden de Milla Martić a abandonar Croacia.
ENGLISH
The decision
When President Tudjman returned from Brijuni to Zagreb on the August 3rd it was clear that the decision has been made. News from Geneva confirmed earlier estimations that the rebel Serbs leaders are not taking seriously the situation and determination of Croatian state politics to finally end rebellion and secession. Looking back on that Thursday a few significant things crop up. International situation was particularly favorable for Croatia. Americans were furious at Serbs for running over Srebrenica and Zepa. They tacitly considered that Croats could offer the fastest and most efficient aid to Bihac. Croatian army was rapidly mobilizing reserve forces. In addition to 80 000 soldiers and officers further 70 000 were mobilized (Croatian Home Guard of the 2nd echelon) and 50 000 more in the third echelon. There was not a town or urban area not participating in major defense operation. All together 200 000 combat troops were ready for the action. 25 fully equipped brigades stood at the positions facing the rebel area.
Zagreb will go all the way
Well-informed analysts figured out that it was not restricted action this time. Zagreb would go all the way regardless of the warnings its allies gave saying resistance of the rebel army would be strong or even unbeatable. Germans believed Croatian military intervention to be unavoidable. American intelligence expected Croats to succeed if they would be able to bring the operation to the end within 7 to 10 days having own losses
around 1000 dead and wounded. Noone assumed that secret plan "Storm '95" was planned even to be faster. Continuos demoralization of rebel Serbs that could not even be stopped by a professional soldier general Mile Mrk{i} is taken into account. He received his instructions from Belgrade to reorganize "krajina" defense and make it more flexible. Tactical and strategic estimations were placed on the desk of Croatian president 10 days before the operation started. The conclusion was unanimous: Serbia won't intervene for the reasons of inner instability (including the political-ideological conflict with Radovan Karadjic and Milan Martic) and in order to fulfill Milosevic's ambitions of getting economic sanctions lifted by the beginning of October. President Tudjman wanted everything to be checked out once again. Before signing the order for the operation he raises four important questions: major aims of the attack, a way to achieve them, situation among Croatian troops and the update of the situation in the enemy's army. "Storm '95" carefully looked into all scenarios. Minister of defense Gojko Susak and military and intelligence top people of Croatian army learned that the rebel troops represent mosaic of mutually incoherent military formation expected to breakdown within 5 to 7 days. According to the available data president Tudjman expected the breakdown to come even sooner, especially having in mind the psychological moment when rebels realize Belgrade abandoned them.
On the eve of the "Storm"
In all Croatian preparations it was taken into account that the intention towards the rebels couldn't be hidden because of the mass mobilization throughout Croatia so the surprise factor won't be forthcoming as in all the earlier operations. But it wasn't the aggravating circumstance. On the contrary the public demonstration of the military concentration was the additional psychological pressure onto rebels who were using their armed formations all the time as the means that should dissuade Croatian of making more serious attack. Even before Geneva, Knin was partially agitated.
Declaring state of war rebel leaders were making efforts to strengthen their formations and to gather 50 000 men (5 000 to 10 000 were the best age group and 20 000 were younger or older. Rebel military leadership estimated that Croatian major strike directions would be Banija, Kordun and Lika in order to break a siege of Bihac. Because of that fact so called 15th, 21st and 39th corps got additional reservists and two thirds of heavy arms were thrown over and concentrated at the triangle Petrinja - ways to Karlovac - Glina. Seventh corps and less heavy arms were left to protect Knin and "northern Dalmatia" which wasn't enough (Croatian were evidently accumulating its troops around Zadar, Sibenik and Sinj, actions from the Grahovo region, permanent endangering of Strmica to open direct way to Knin and so on). Although threatening signals from Zagreb were increasing on the eve of the "Storm" rebel leaders decided once again they could count on the fast military support of Bosnian Serbs (air force and 10 000 men) and Milan Martic was persistently explaining that Belgrade won't be passive this time. Although nervous Serbian negotiators from Geneva sent the message that Croatian attack is completely certain, general Mrksic considered that his basic force of 37 000 men is enough to confront Croatian offensive and to resist further 10 days. 17 000 men of so called "army of the republic of Serb krajina" in eastern Slavonija should immediately start actions on the front line and with strategy of retaliation put pressure onto Osijek and Vinkovci what should force Croats to transfer part of their reserve forces to the eastern front thus giving the relief to the defense of the northern parts of "krajina".
Serbs will remember
In the evening of August 3rd, detonator of the conflict was inevitably ticking off last moments. Wick that was set on fire by Serbs in Bosnia and Herzegovina was to explode in Croatia. It seemed as nothing was going on along the 700 km long front line at 3 a.m. of the August 4th. But, 2 000 Croatian cannons , howitzers, mortars rocket launchers and recoilless canonns were ready to fire. An hour later, UN peace forces in Croatia were officially informed that unavoidable military and police operation would start, with purpose of reestablishing constitution, law and order in sectors North and South. Anyway nothing happened in the next 60 minutes that would disturb hot and moistly dawn. And then, exactly at 5 a.m. the artillery strike like none seen before started. Serbs will remember that dawn very well. They were encouraging themselves day by day: no retreat, no surrender. Our forts will be our bloody shirts. They did not expect that so much steel will fall over their heads immediately. Although they knew Croats were superior, their propaganda claimed that krajina fighters are not afraid of Croatian slings. At the same moment all the way from north to the south the command echoed: Fire! Roar of Croatian artillery broke the morning silence waking up sleepy Serbian quasyrepublic. Salvos were following one another all in all 40 minutes with no stops, somewhere even longer. In the Serbian pillboxes, forts, barracks, commands, storehouses, reserve positions, quickly digged trenches, on the approaches of all bigger cities there was panic with everyone shouting: Croats are coming . . . they are braking through from everywhere. Terrified men in the forts were hit by bouncing rocks, wood and deafened by noise. Dust and smoke were choking surprised garrisons. The cannon and rocket launcher fire were joined by a fire of Croatian tanks and sounds of Croatian infantry arms, who started unstoppable breakthrough through thinned mine fields and chopped barb wire. In Serbian lines, where many were totally stunned by the noise of explosions, they didn't know what to do next. In only ten hours of fighting Serbs suffered mentally and started to fall apart. Instead of fortified north Croats tightened the circle around Knin that trembled from the shell detonations which were destroying military targets. In four days of major operations Croatian armed force demonstrated they are ready, with methodical and continuos pressure of their formations, to surround completely rebel "krajina" as a kindled almond which suddenly found itself in the nut cracking pincers. Objections that too much force had been used are absurd. In the liberation war exaggerated force is only the sufficient force.
When President Tudjman returned from Brijuni to Zagreb on the August 3rd it was clear that the decision has been made. News from Geneva confirmed earlier estimations that the rebel Serbs leaders are not taking seriously the situation and determination of Croatian state politics to finally end rebellion and secession. Looking back on that Thursday a few significant things crop up. International situation was particularly favorable for Croatia. Americans were furious at Serbs for running over Srebrenica and Zepa. They tacitly considered that Croats could offer the fastest and most efficient aid to Bihac. Croatian army was rapidly mobilizing reserve forces. In addition to 80 000 soldiers and officers further 70 000 were mobilized (Croatian Home Guard of the 2nd echelon) and 50 000 more in the third echelon. There was not a town or urban area not participating in major defense operation. All together 200 000 combat troops were ready for the action. 25 fully equipped brigades stood at the positions facing the rebel area.
Zagreb will go all the way
Well-informed analysts figured out that it was not restricted action this time. Zagreb would go all the way regardless of the warnings its allies gave saying resistance of the rebel army would be strong or even unbeatable. Germans believed Croatian military intervention to be unavoidable. American intelligence expected Croats to succeed if they would be able to bring the operation to the end within 7 to 10 days having own losses
around 1000 dead and wounded. Noone assumed that secret plan "Storm '95" was planned even to be faster. Continuos demoralization of rebel Serbs that could not even be stopped by a professional soldier general Mile Mrk{i} is taken into account. He received his instructions from Belgrade to reorganize "krajina" defense and make it more flexible. Tactical and strategic estimations were placed on the desk of Croatian president 10 days before the operation started. The conclusion was unanimous: Serbia won't intervene for the reasons of inner instability (including the political-ideological conflict with Radovan Karadjic and Milan Martic) and in order to fulfill Milosevic's ambitions of getting economic sanctions lifted by the beginning of October. President Tudjman wanted everything to be checked out once again. Before signing the order for the operation he raises four important questions: major aims of the attack, a way to achieve them, situation among Croatian troops and the update of the situation in the enemy's army. "Storm '95" carefully looked into all scenarios. Minister of defense Gojko Susak and military and intelligence top people of Croatian army learned that the rebel troops represent mosaic of mutually incoherent military formation expected to breakdown within 5 to 7 days. According to the available data president Tudjman expected the breakdown to come even sooner, especially having in mind the psychological moment when rebels realize Belgrade abandoned them.
On the eve of the "Storm"
In all Croatian preparations it was taken into account that the intention towards the rebels couldn't be hidden because of the mass mobilization throughout Croatia so the surprise factor won't be forthcoming as in all the earlier operations. But it wasn't the aggravating circumstance. On the contrary the public demonstration of the military concentration was the additional psychological pressure onto rebels who were using their armed formations all the time as the means that should dissuade Croatian of making more serious attack. Even before Geneva, Knin was partially agitated.
Declaring state of war rebel leaders were making efforts to strengthen their formations and to gather 50 000 men (5 000 to 10 000 were the best age group and 20 000 were younger or older. Rebel military leadership estimated that Croatian major strike directions would be Banija, Kordun and Lika in order to break a siege of Bihac. Because of that fact so called 15th, 21st and 39th corps got additional reservists and two thirds of heavy arms were thrown over and concentrated at the triangle Petrinja - ways to Karlovac - Glina. Seventh corps and less heavy arms were left to protect Knin and "northern Dalmatia" which wasn't enough (Croatian were evidently accumulating its troops around Zadar, Sibenik and Sinj, actions from the Grahovo region, permanent endangering of Strmica to open direct way to Knin and so on). Although threatening signals from Zagreb were increasing on the eve of the "Storm" rebel leaders decided once again they could count on the fast military support of Bosnian Serbs (air force and 10 000 men) and Milan Martic was persistently explaining that Belgrade won't be passive this time. Although nervous Serbian negotiators from Geneva sent the message that Croatian attack is completely certain, general Mrksic considered that his basic force of 37 000 men is enough to confront Croatian offensive and to resist further 10 days. 17 000 men of so called "army of the republic of Serb krajina" in eastern Slavonija should immediately start actions on the front line and with strategy of retaliation put pressure onto Osijek and Vinkovci what should force Croats to transfer part of their reserve forces to the eastern front thus giving the relief to the defense of the northern parts of "krajina".
Serbs will remember
In the evening of August 3rd, detonator of the conflict was inevitably ticking off last moments. Wick that was set on fire by Serbs in Bosnia and Herzegovina was to explode in Croatia. It seemed as nothing was going on along the 700 km long front line at 3 a.m. of the August 4th. But, 2 000 Croatian cannons , howitzers, mortars rocket launchers and recoilless canonns were ready to fire. An hour later, UN peace forces in Croatia were officially informed that unavoidable military and police operation would start, with purpose of reestablishing constitution, law and order in sectors North and South. Anyway nothing happened in the next 60 minutes that would disturb hot and moistly dawn. And then, exactly at 5 a.m. the artillery strike like none seen before started. Serbs will remember that dawn very well. They were encouraging themselves day by day: no retreat, no surrender. Our forts will be our bloody shirts. They did not expect that so much steel will fall over their heads immediately. Although they knew Croats were superior, their propaganda claimed that krajina fighters are not afraid of Croatian slings. At the same moment all the way from north to the south the command echoed: Fire! Roar of Croatian artillery broke the morning silence waking up sleepy Serbian quasyrepublic. Salvos were following one another all in all 40 minutes with no stops, somewhere even longer. In the Serbian pillboxes, forts, barracks, commands, storehouses, reserve positions, quickly digged trenches, on the approaches of all bigger cities there was panic with everyone shouting: Croats are coming . . . they are braking through from everywhere. Terrified men in the forts were hit by bouncing rocks, wood and deafened by noise. Dust and smoke were choking surprised garrisons. The cannon and rocket launcher fire were joined by a fire of Croatian tanks and sounds of Croatian infantry arms, who started unstoppable breakthrough through thinned mine fields and chopped barb wire. In Serbian lines, where many were totally stunned by the noise of explosions, they didn't know what to do next. In only ten hours of fighting Serbs suffered mentally and started to fall apart. Instead of fortified north Croats tightened the circle around Knin that trembled from the shell detonations which were destroying military targets. In four days of major operations Croatian armed force demonstrated they are ready, with methodical and continuos pressure of their formations, to surround completely rebel "krajina" as a kindled almond which suddenly found itself in the nut cracking pincers. Objections that too much force had been used are absurd. In the liberation war exaggerated force is only the sufficient force.
__________________
4th August
The storm began
With the sunrise, at 5 a.m., the storm began. The storm that swept away "krajina" in four days only. While electronic media were broadcasting President Tudjman's address to the Croatian citizens of Serbian nationality guaranteeing them all rights and calling upon paramilitary troops to give over their weapons, offering them amnesty, Croatian army and police started the liberation of four years long occupied so called sectors North and South.
Strike on Celavac
"Following the decisive and strong action, Croatian troops penetrated the 700 km long front lines at 30 spots, in Bjelovar, Zagreb, Karlovac, Gospic and Split area of responsibility", was stated in Zagreb at a press conference, the same afternoon. Croatian air force launched a rocket attack and disabled Radio and TV transmitter Celavac. Penetration depth of Croatian forces ranged between 5 and 15 km. First day of action ran according to the schedule.
Beginning of the StormSveti Rok liberated
Great success of the first day of the action was liberation of Sveti Rok. Knin was already encircled and Croatian troops were in front of the town. Ministry of Defense stated that Croatian army in its action of liberating the territories does not demolish the towns or kill civilians. UNCRO was informed about the action before it started. In spite, a few incidents took place and led to a loss of two Czech UN soldiers. Serb rebels retaliated for their own losses attacking civilians in Sisak, Sibenik, Otocac, Gospic, Ogulin...
Orthodox church in Plaski
5th August
Knin is liberated
Round about noon the breaking news came: Croatian troops entered the city of Knin. Knin is freed! On the medieval Knin fortress a big Croatian flag was set. Surrounding places such as Vrlika, Kijevo, Drnis, Zitnic, Benkovac, Gracac, Lovinac, Ljubovo were liberated as well. By the evening 80% of the plans were carried out. Serbian civilians were, in spite of repeated calls, made by Croatian authorities, to remain at their homes, fleeing from the area. Croatian army ensured the corridors for their withdrawal through the cities of Srb and Dvor. Cities of Petrinja, Glina, Udbina and Slunj were soon to be liberated too.
Croatian flag on the Knin fortress
Croatian police force in Lovinac and Gracac
The establishment of the civilian authorities started immediately upon liberation and first to come were local police stations. Police station Vrlika, Lovinac... was written on the boards that were hung in presence of Ivan Jarnjak, Minister of internal affairs. At the same time Serbs retaliated, shelling civilians in Zupanja from Bosnia and in Osijek, Vinkovci, Nustar from eastern Slavonia. Karlovac and Dubrovnik were attacked too.
Serbs retaliated targeting civilian targets
Celebration
On Saturday evening, while Croatian troops were advancing with the actions of liberation, Croatia was celebrating, opening bottles of champagne. People were laughing and crying at the same time. Happy for the victory that came. President Tudjman, escorted by his closest assistants, joined the celebration on the Zagreb main square.
Dr. Franjo Tudjman joined the celebration on Ban Jelacic square in Zagreb
6th August
Two armies joined
Croatian forces joined with HVO and the 5th corps of Bosnian army on the border between Bosnia and Croatia on the river Korana near Trzacka Rastela. It was clear then, the Bihac enclave was saved and strategic communication Bihac - Knin was cut. Knin, Drnis, Kijevo got the police stations. The same afternoon, only 24 hours after it was liberated, President Tudjman visited the old Croatian town of Knin, where met by the 4th and 7th brigade of Croatian army. "Liberation of Knin means more than just a liberation of Croatian territory and a Croatian town. It means creating conditions for the stability of Croatian state for centuries ahead", said President Tudjman. Dr. Tudjman and his wife Ankica were accompanied by President of the Parliament, Deputy Prime Ministers dr. Mate Granic, Borislav Skegro, dr. Ivica Kostovic, Minister of Defense Gojko Susak and many others. They were awaited by the Minister Ivan Jarnjak and Minister of maritime affairs, traffic and communications Ivica Mudrinic who stated that in no more than two weeks railroad Zagreb-Knin-Split will be fully operating.
Arrival of President Tudjman in Knin
Croatian army and the 5th corps meet
So called "krajina" does not exist any more
So called "krajina" ceased to exist. Petrinja, Slunj, Kostajnica, Plitvice lakes, Obrovac were liberated. Major general Tolj once again called rebel Serbs to give over their weapons and surrender. Their military forces are broken down: 21st corps (that surrended on the 8th of August) was encircled and 15th and 39th corps were facing similar situation.
Park "Plitvice lakes"
Petrinja and Glina freed
On Sunday morning Croatian army liberated Petrinja and about 11 p.m. Glina changed hands. It was one of the strongholds of Serb's rebellion.
August the 7th
Karlovac celebrates peace
Towns of Turanj and Tusilovic were freed on the last day of the action Storm, which gave a relief to the inhabitants of Karlovac who came out on the streets of the town to celebrate the peace after 4 years of alerts.
Dr. Tudjman visits the wounded in "Nova bolnica"
Defeat of rebels
On Monday, chetnics were forced to leave Vojnic and Topusko, Gornji and Donji Lapac. Faced with a total military defeat in Croatia, Serbs planes took off from Banja Luka airport and launched attacks on several Croatian cities. Two casualties and 11 wounded were reported. Two planes of the "Eagle" type were shot down while attacking Mackovac and Savski Bok.
Serbian army signs the defeat and surrenders the hardware
Croatian army at the Croatian border
At 18:00 Croatian Minister of Defense Gojko Susak announced the end of action Storm from the military aspect. Police actions remain to be carried out for some more time. Rebel Serbs surrended in Banovina region. Croatian army came out on the internationally recognized borders of Croatia. 118 Croatian soldiers fell in action and 620 were wounded till then. In days to follow, while searching the area 174 casualties and 1430 wounded were reported, all together.
Quote:
REPUBLIC OF SERB KRAJINA SUPREME DEFENCE COUNCIL Knin, 4th Aug 1995 16.45 hrs No: 2-3113-1/95. Due to a newly created situation appearing from a large-scale agression of the Republic of Croatia against the Republic of Serb Krajina and in spite of successful defence at the beginning, the greater part of North Dalmatia and the part of Lika are endangered. Having considered all these facts WE DECIDED 1. To start evacuating population unfit to military service from the municipalities of Knin, Benkovac, Obrovac, Drnis and Gracac. 2. Evacuation to be carried out according to the plan towards direction of Knin and furthermore via Otric, and towards Srb and Lapac. 3. UNPROFOR HQ Sector South Knin to be requested support. Knin, 4th Aug 1995 Certified by Serb Army HQ dtd 4th Aug 1995 at 17.20 hrs under Reg. No. as above. P R E S I D E N T Mile Martic |
Today Serbian nationalists accuse Croatian people for ethnic cleansing and consider Operation Storm to be genocidal act although evacuation of civilians was initially ordered by Serbian Mile Martić president of pseudo republic Krajina.
Croatian president Franjo Tuđman assured them civil right would be respected and no charges would be brought against all civilians who did not commit any war crimes, yet they chose by the order of Mile Martić to leave Croatia.
Croatian president Franjo Tuđman assured them civil right would be respected and no charges would be brought against all civilians who did not commit any war crimes, yet they chose by the order of Mile Martić to leave Croatia.
