7th Corps (Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Last updated
7th Corps
7th-Corps-Army-of-the-Republic-of-Bosnia-and-Herzegovina-Insignia.png
Emblem of the 7th Corps
Active07. April 1994 – 1995
CountryFlag of Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992-1998).svg Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Branch Army
Type Army Corps
Role Land warfare
Size23,997 personnel [1]
Part ofFlag of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.svg Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Garrison/HQCoat of Arms of Travnik.png Travnik
Nickname(s)Angry (Bosnian: Ljuti)
AnniversariesApril 7th
Engagements
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Mehmed Alagić

The 7th Corps (Bosnian : Sedmi korpus), was an army corps of the Army of Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina active during the violent breakup of Yugoslavia and subsequent Bosnian War. It was one of six army corps, the 6th Corps was disbanded on February 26, 1994 and the 8th Corps was never formed. [2]

Contents

It was formed in the later stages of Bosnian War with primary goal to unite all military elements from Bosnian Krajina (Bosnian : Bosanska Krajina) in Central Bosnia (Bosnian : Srednja Bosna). Its military base and headquarters were in Travnik.

History

Formation

The idea for the formation of the 7th Corps arose not only from a military need, but also from a political desire to unite the Krajina military element in Central Bosnia in a separate corps whose focus of action would be towards the Bosnian Krajina (Bosnian : Bosanska Krajina). [3] One of the key moments for the formation of 7th Corps took place, on August 21, 1993, in Zenica, during a briefing held between the members of the Supreme Command and the commanders of the Corps; where it was decided to begin with preparations for the formation of the 7th Corps. [3]

The Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its Decision No. 02-111-19/94, dated January 11, 1994, regulated the formation of the 7th Corps. The Headquarters of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina initiated activities on the formation of the 7th Corps. [3] [4] However, combat operations with two enemies in the operational zone of the 3rd Corps (future operational zone of the 7th Corps) would halt the formation until the cessation of hostilities between the Croatian Defence Council and Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the signing of the Washington Agreement. [3]

The decision on the formation of the 7th Corps was made by the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina on February 26, 1994; [3] [5] and Brigadier General Mehmed Alagić was appointed as the commander. [3] [6] The Corps temporary wartime formation number was T-412.191, assigned name was T-30009 and the military unit number was VJ 5029. [3]

7th Corps - Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina - Patch 7th Corps - Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.png
7th Corps - Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina - Patch

On the April 7, 1994 first official operational report was sent from the Command of the 7th Corps to the Headquarters of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is celebrated as the official day the 7th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina was formed. [7]

Integration

Following the signings of the Washington Agreement [8] on March 18, 1994 which led to the creation of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Dayton Agreement [9] on December 14, 1995 the 7th Corps as part of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina along with HVO was integrated into newly formed Army of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. [10]

Reform

After the establishment of peace, [9] Bosnia and Herzegovina had three (Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatian Defence Council and Army of Republika Srpska) completely separate armies, which until then were in conflict with each other. Today, after the defense reform of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina are united under a single chain of command and subordinated to civilian authorities, with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina as the supreme commander. [11]

Operational Zone

Strategic Layout depicting Operational Zone of the 7th Corps Strategic-Layout-Operational-zone-of-the-7th-Corps.png
Strategic Layout depicting Operational Zone of the 7th Corps

The main task of the 7th Corps was to carry out combat operations towards the northwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the direction of Bosanska Krajina. [12]

The fronline in the operational zone towards the Army of Republika Srpska was about 140 kilometers, and included the Vlasić and Komar-Vrbas tactical directions and the Kupres tactical direction. In addition the 7th Corps was also engaged towards the Croatian Defence Council. The length of the front line in the operational zone towards the Croatian Defence Council was about 120 kilometers, and included the Lašva and Upper Vakuf directions. [12]

Operational zone of the 7th Corps included the following municipalities: Banja Luka, Bosanska Gradiška, Bosansko Grahovo, Bugojno, Čelinac, Donji Vakuf, Gornji Vakuf, Glamoč, Jajce, Kotor Varoš, Kupres, Laktasi, Livno, Mrkonjić Grad, Novi Travnik, Travnik, Vitez, Skender-Vakuf and i Šipovo. [4]

Personnel

As of February 1995, there were 23,997 permanent personnel in the 7th Corps out of an established strength of 229,823 in total for the whole Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The breakdown of personnel is as follows: Commissioned officers - 1,263, non-commissioned officers - 1,267 and soldiers - 21,467. [1]

Leadership

The Brigadier General is the highest-ranking officer of the Corps appointed by the Presidency. Due to the constraints placed by the war, the primary role was to organize units and create functioning command structure in the zone of operation. The first and only commander of the 7th Corps was Mehmed Alagić. [6] In 1997, General Mehmed Alagić was awarded with the Order of the Golden Coat of Arms with Swords (Bosnian : Orden Zlatnog grba sa mačevima). [13]

ARBiH 7th Corps headquarters is at Travnik. Komanda 7. korpusa, Travnik, BiH.JPG
ARBiH 7th Corps headquarters is at Travnik.

A deputy commander is the second-in-command to a commander, acts on the Commander's behalf when required and performs other duties as directed by the Commander. The Deputy Commander of the 7th Corps was Fikret Ćuskić. General Fikret Ćuskić is recipient of the Order of the Golden Lily (Bosnian : Zlatni ljiljan). [13]

7th Corps units

Organizational Chart of the 7th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, April 1994 Organization-chart-of-the-7th-Corps.png
Organizational Chart of the 7th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, April 1994

The organization and development of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the war was carried out according to the models from the Yugoslav concepts of national defense; in the conditions when most of the territory was occupied, in the conditions of an armed struggle against two enemies, Army of Republika Srpska supported by Serbia [14] [15] [16] and Croatian Defence Council supported by Croatia, [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] this type of model imposed itself as an inevitable and only possible territorial defense concept. [22]

Despite such difficult and complex reality, the command made efforts to form units that would have a maneuver character and capability. The backbone of the maneuver units would be formed primarily from the exiled population from the occupied territories, for example the 17th Krajina Brigade, 305th Jajace Brigade, later 27th Mountain Brigade. [22]

In terms of weaponry, the 7th Corps was a distinctly infantry unit. There were 7 tanks in the Corps. 73 large-caliber artillery pieces, 459 pieces of 82mm and 60mm mortars and over 12,000 infantry firearms. [23]

The 7th Corps was formed from the combat elements of the 3rd Corps, primarily from units of OG "Bosanska Krajina" and OG "Zapad". [12]

The following brigades from the Operational Zone ‘’Bosanska krajina’’ became part of the 7th Corps:

17th Knight's Krajina Mountain Brigade

17th Glorious Krajina Mountain Brigade - Patch 17. slavna krajiska brdska brigada.png
17th Glorious Krajina Mountain Brigade - Patch

The 17th Brigade was formed on 19 November 1992 out of two existing units: the 1st and 7th Brigades (Bosnian : Prve bosansko-krajiške brigade i Sedme krajiške brigade) from Krajina. Its headquarters were in Travnik in the former JNA Barracks. Initially it consisted of two battalions primarily of volunteers and refugees from Krajina and with the arrival of more soldiers the 3rd and 4th battalions were created. Fourth battalion was created from the soldiers of the 84th brigade and the elements of the 1st Kotorvaroš Battalion of HVO. [24] It was a “manoeuvre” brigade within the 3rd Corps and took part in actions all over the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. From November 1992 to April 1993, it had 900 men. [25]

On the first anniversary of the formation of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, by the Decree of the President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Alija Izetbegović, dated April 14, 1993 for overall contribution made to the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the exceptional combat successes they continuously achieve and the courage, determination and dedication of their members shown in the performance of all combat and other tasks, as well as the care and protection of citizens the Brigade received the honorary title Glorious (Bosnian : Slavna)., [26] and in 1995 the honorary title Knight's (Bosnian : Viteška). [27]

Amir Žilić, commander of the 2nd Battalion, was posthumously awarded with the Order of the Golden Coat of Arms with Swords (Bosnian : Orden Zlatnog grba sa mačevima) in 1994 as well as the Order of the Golden Liliy (Bosnian : Zlatni ljiljan) in 1993. He was killed in action on January 6, 1993. Crkvice - Visoko. [13]

705th Glorious Mountain Brigade (formerly 305th Mountain Brigade) - Jajce

705th Glorious Mountain Brigade - Patch 705th-Mountain-Brigade.png
705th Glorious Mountain Brigade - Patch

The 705th brigade was formed on December 1, 1992 in Bugojno. Upon formation, the brigade is stationed in the areas of the municipalities of Bugojno and Gornji Vakuf. [29] It consisted primarily of volunteers and refugees from Jajce and consisted of three battalions. [30]

By the Decree of the President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Alija Izetbegović, dated January 18, 1995 for overall contribution made to the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the exceptional combat successes they continuously achieve and the courage, determination and dedication of their members shown in the performance of all combat and other tasks, as well as the care and protection of citizens the 305th along with 307th Brigade received the honorary title Glorious (Bosnian : Slavna). [27]

706th Mountain Brigade (formerly 306th Mountain Brigade) - Travnik, Han Bila

706th Mountain Brigade - Patch 706th Mountain Brigade - Travnik, Han Bila.png
706th Mountain Brigade - Patch

The 306th Brigade was formed on December 20, 1992, and consisted of four battalions, a military police platoon and several other units. In March 1993, the brigade had 1,974 soldiers. The brigade's headquarters were three kilometres from Han Bila, in the mine administration building in Rudnik. The 1st Battalion was based in the elementary school in Mehurići. The 2nd Battalion was stationed in Krpeljići. The 3rd Battalion was deployed in the elementary school in Han Bila. The 4th Battalion was in the village of Višnjevo. [25]

From November 1992 until March 1993, the 306th Brigade was subordinated to the 3rd Corps. In March 1993, when operations groups were created, the 306th Brigade was subordinated to OG Zapad. Then, since the zone of responsibility of the 306th Brigade was too broad, it was subordinated to OG Bosanska Krajina in early June 1993. [25]

Around 3200 soldiers have served in the brigade, 136 soldiers gave their lives, while 450 of them were wounded. 11 soldiers were awarded with "Golden Liliy" (Bosnian : Zlatni ljiljan) and one with "Silver Shield" (Bosnian : Srebrni štit). [31]

708th Glorious Mountain Brigade (formerly 308th Mountain Brigade) - Novi Travnik

The brigade was formed on December 17, 1992, in Novi Travnik. The brigade includes the 1st, 2nd and 3rd mountain battalions of the Municipal Defense Headquarters Novi Travnik. [32]

After the end of the hostilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a subsequent evaluation of their overall contribution to the armed struggle or as an evaluation of the contribution in the last phase of the war, by the Decree of the President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Alija Izetbegović, the 708th Mountain Brigade received the honorary title Glorious (Bosnian : Slavna). [33]

712th Glorious Mountain Brigade (formerly 312th Mountain Brigade) - Travnik

712th Mountain Brigade - Patch 712th Mountain Brigade - Travnik.png
712th Mountain Brigade - Patch

The brigade was formed on November 25, 1992, as 312th Motorized Brigade, which was later renamed and organized as a Mountain Brigade. The brigade was formed from the First and Second Travnik detachments (Bosnian : Prvi i Drugi travnički odred), the Vlašić detachment (former Mudrič company) (Bosnian : Vlašićki odred (bivša Mudrička četa)), the Turbet detachment (Bosnian : Turbetski odred), the Gradina detachment (Bosnian : Odred Gradina) and the Karaula detachment (Bosnian : Karaulski odred). [36] After the end of the hostilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a subsequent evaluation of their overall contribution to the armed struggle or as an evaluation of the contribution in the last phase of the war, by the Decree of the President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Alija Izetbegović, the 712th Mountain Brigade received the honorary title Glorious (Bosnian : Slavna). [37]

Over 6500 soldiers have served in the brigade 282 soldiers gave their lives, 9 soldiers were awarded with the Order of the Golden Liliy (Bosnian: Zlatni ljiljan). Major Mihajlo Petrović, commander of the Mudrič Company (Bosnian : Mudrička četa) and the Vlašić Detachment (Bosnian : Vlašićki odred), was posthumously awarded with the Order of the Golden Coat of Arms with Swords (Bosnian : Orden Zlatnog grba sa mačevima) in 1994 as well as the Order of the Golden Liliy (Bosnian : Zlatni ljiljan) in 1992. [38]

725th Mountain Brigade (formerly 325th Mountain Brigade) - Vitez

The brigade was formed on December 1, 1992 in the municipality of Vitez, in the town of Kruščica. The units of 7 regional headquarters and two volunteer detachments, which existed since May 21, 1992, became part of the brigade. [40] In the beginning, it had two battalions and a platoon of the Military Police, with a total of 800 soldiers. [41]

727th Mountain Brigade (formerly 27th Mountain Brigade) - Gluha Bukovica

727th Glorious Mountain Brigade - Patch 727th Glorious Mountain Brigade - Gluha Bukovica.png
727th Glorious Mountain Brigade - Patch

The brigade was formed in August 15, 1993, from the units of the 27th motorized brigade, 1st battalion 306th mountain brigade and 4th battalion 314th motorized brigade. The brigade included soldiers from 33 municipalities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. [28]

On January 18, 1995 by the Decree of the President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Alija Izetbegović, for overall contribution made to the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the exceptional combat successes they continuously achieve and the courage, determination and dedication of their members shown in the performance of all combat and other tasks, as well as the care and protection of citizens the 307th along with 305th Brigade received the honorary title Glorious (Bosnian : Slavna). [27]

737th Muslim Light Brigade (formerly 37th Light Brigade) - Travnik

737th Muslim Light Brigade - Patch 737th Muslim Light Brigade.png
737th Muslim Light Brigade - Patch

The brigade was formed on February 15, 1994 in Travnik. It was formed from the units of the 1st battalion of the 7th Muslim Brigade. [43]

The following brigades from the Operational Zone ‘’Zapad’’ became part of the 7th Corps:

707th Glorious Mountain Brigade (formerly 307th Mountain Brigade) - Bugojno

As a result of the restructuring of the 307th Motorized Brigade and units of the Municipal Headquarters of the Bugojno defense, on October 21, 1993, the 307th Mountain Brigade was created. [44] It was based in Bugojno and consisted of four battalions, military police unit and anti-sabotage units. [45] As of March 08, 1993, the 307th Brigade was subordinated to the Operational Zone ‘’Zapad’’. [46] The brigade consisted of a total of 1,667 soldiers. [47] On November 03, 1994 part of 707th Mountain Brigade was the first to enter the center of Kupres. [48] On January 18, 1995 by the Decree of the President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Alija Izetbegović, for overall contribution made to the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the exceptional combat successes they continuously achieve and the courage, determination and dedication of their members shown in the performance of all combat and other tasks, as well as the care and protection of citizens the 307th along with 305th Brigade received the honorary title Glorious (Bosnian : Slavna). [27]

717th Mountain Brigade (formerly 317th Mountain Brigade) - Gornji Vakuf

The brigade was created on November 11, 1992 from the units of Territorial Defence (“TO”) in Gornji Vakuf, which comprised four battalions. [49]

1st Battalion was formed local communities of Gornji Vakuf I and II, Uzričje, Duša, Paloč, Odvode, Batuša, Vrse and Ždrimci. The battalion headquarters was located in the ball bearing factory. Commander of the battalion was Edin Šero. [49]

2nd Battalion was formed from local communities of Voljevac and Boljkovac and battalion headquarters was located in Voljevac school building. Commander of the battalion was Bedrudin Milanović [49] (Killed in action August 8, 1993. Crni Vrh - Gornji Vakuf) [50] Posthumously awarded the Order of the Golden Lily (Bosnian : Zlatni ljiljan). [13]

3rd Battalion from local communities of Drazev dolac, Duradbegov dolac and Voljice, battalion headquarters was in the primary school building in Voljice. Commander of the battalion was Mehmed Redžebašić. [49]

4th Battalion local communities of Grnica, Bojska, Bistrica, Hrasnica and Lužani, battalion headquarters was in thebuilding of primary school Grnica. Commander of the battalion was Abduselam Redžebašić. [49]

On December 14, 1993 by the Decree of the President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Alija Izetbegović, for overall contribution made to the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the exceptional combat successes they continuously achieve and the courage, determination and dedication of their members shown in the performance of all combat and other tasks, as well as the care and protection of citizens the Brigade received the honorary title Glorious (Bosnian : Slavna). [51]

770th Glorious Mountain Brigade (formerly 370th Mountain Brigade) - Donji Vakuf

The brigade was formed on October 21, 1993 in Bugojno. The brigade included parts of the units of the 307th mtbr, from the area of the municipality of Donji Vakuf, a small part of other municipalities and units of the disbanded Municipal Headquarters of Defense of Donji Vakuf. [45] On April 14, 1994, the brigade was awarded the honorary title Glorious (Bosnian : Slavna) for its success. [52]

Later on:

733rd Mountain Brigade (formerly 333rd Mountain Brigade) - (Kaćuni) Busovača

733rd Mountain Brigade - Patch 733rd-Mountain-Brigade.png
733rd Mountain Brigade - Patch

The brigade was formed on December 1, 1992. The brigade had three mountain battalions, two mountain battalions were formed from conscripts from the area of the municipality of Busovača and one mountain battalion from conscripts from the area municipality of Kakanj. The brigade consisted of a total of 1,940 soldiers. [54]

Freedom (Magazine)

Freedom (Bosnian : Sloboda) was the official magazine of the 7th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. First published on June 17, 1994 and last, twentieth issue, was published on January 17, 1996. The magazine was published in Travnik, headquarters of the Command of the 7th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina in A3 format, later reprinted in A4 format. The first two issues were printed in the printing house "AB Tisak" Travnik (this printing house was enlisted for the needs of the 7th Corps), however, due to the publishing needs and technical reasons required that the other eighteen issues of "Sloboda" be printed in the printing and publishing company "Borac" Travnik. [55]

The mission of Sloboda was to affirm the goals of the defense and struggle for liberation, however, there were also critically intoned articles. A typical issue of "Sloboda" provided analysis of military operations of the 7th Corps, at the same time, it contained articles with important military-political commentary, interviews with the troops, unit and individual activities and achievements, history and sport. In twenty issues of the magazine "Sloboda" as many as 916 articles, 799 authentic photos and illustrations were published, whose authors were mainly journalists (and associates) from the 7th corps. [55]

Related Research Articles

The Army of Republika Srpska, commonly referred to in English as the Bosnian Serb Army, was the military of Republika Srpska, the self-proclaimed Serb secessionist republic, a territory within the newly independent Bosnia and Herzegovina, which it defied and fought against. Active during the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1995, it continued to exist as the armed forces of RS, one of two entities making up Bosnia and Herzegovina, until 2006 when it was integrated into the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Forces of the VRS engaged in several campaigns, including Operation Corridor 92, Operation Vrbas '92, Operation Bura, and Operation Spider; they were also involved in the siege of Sarajevo, as well as the Srebrenica massacre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Case White</span> 1943 Axis offensive in Yugoslavia

Case White, also known as the Fourth Enemy Offensive, was a combined Axis strategic offensive launched against the Yugoslav Partisans throughout occupied Yugoslavia during World War II. It was one of the most significant confrontations of World War II in Yugoslavia. The offensive took place in early 1943, between 20 January and mid-to-late March. The Axis operation prompted the Partisan Supreme Command to enact its plans to drive toward eastern Herzegovina, Sandžak and Montenegro.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">7th Muslim Brigade</span> Military unit

The 7th Muslim Brigade was an elite all-volunteer brigade of the 3rd Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It served as the ARBiH's primary assault brigade in Central Bosnia, and was headquartered in Zenica. The brigade's manpower largely came from the cities of Zenica, Travnik, and Kakanj; however, there were soldiers from all over Bosnia who served in its ranks. During the war, the brigade liberated over 1,100 km2 of territory, including multiple cities, as well as numerous villages and mountains. Some of the most notable combat actions of the 7th Muslim brigade include the liberation of Vareš, Fojnica, Bugojno, Kakanj, and Travnik from the hands of HVO forces, as well as the defence of Mt. Igman and the liberation of liberation of Mt. Vlašić (Opaljenik), Teslić-Šerić (Jezera), Nabožić (Ilijaš), and Vozuća and the Ozren pocket from VRS forces.

The Bosnian War attracted large numbers of foreign fighters and mercenaries from various countries. Volunteers came to fight for a variety of reasons including religious or ethnic loyalties, but mostly for money. Generally, Bosniaks received support from Muslim countries, Serbs from Eastern Orthodox countries, and Croats from Catholic countries. The numbers, activities and significance of the foreign fighters were often misrepresented. However, none of these groups constituted more than five percent of any of the respective armies' total manpower strength.

Operation Sana was the final military offensive of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina in western Bosnia and Herzegovina and the last major battle of the Bosnian War. It was launched from the area of Bihać on 13 September 1995, against the Army of Republika Srpska, and involved advances towards Bosanski Petrovac, Sanski Most and Bosanska Krupa. At the same time, the Croatian Army and the Croatian Defence Council were engaging the VRS in Operation Maestral 2 further to the southeast. After an initial 70-kilometre (43 mi) advance, VRS reinforcements managed to stop the ARBiH short of Sanski Most and Bosanski Novi, and reversed some of the ARBiH's territorial gains in a counterattack. After a part of the ARBiH 5th Corps was threatened with defeat around the town of Ključ, the ARBiH requested assistance from the HV.

Operation Mistral 2, officially codenamed Operation Maestral 2, was a Croatian Army (HV) and Croatian Defence Council (HVO) offensive in western Bosnia and Herzegovina on 8–15 September 1995 as part of the Bosnian War. Its objective was to create a security buffer between Croatia and positions held by the Bosnian Serb Army of Republika Srpska (VRS). The operation also spearheaded a Herzeg-Croat led move to compromise the occupation of the largest Bosnian Serb-held city, Banja Luka, by capturing the towns of Jajce, Šipovo and Drvar. Thus jeopardizing the operations capacity of Banja Luka and ultimately leading to its recapture. The combined HV and HVO forces were under the overall command of HV Major General Ante Gotovina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">5th Corps (Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina)</span> Military unit

The 5th Corps was one of seven corps and smallest one of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The formation was around the Bihać pocket to protect it against the surrounding Serb forces. The Fifth Corps also fought secessional Bosniak forces loyal to Fikret Abdić, who was cooperating with Serb forces. In the last military action of the ARBiH, Operation Sana, the 5th Corps defeated Abdić's supporters and started all out offensive connecting to the rest of the Bosnian territory while bringing a number of previously lost and occupied regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina under government control, defeating 1st and 2nd Krajiški corps, strengthened with units that escaped Kninska krajina and multiple serb paramilitary forces coming to aid from different forntlines. During Sana 95 and Downfall of Second autonomy 5th Corps also liberated towns and communes in border section of Croatia. Connecting with Croat forces in Grabovac-Rakovica area, Korenica-Frkašić area, Bogovolja-Cetingrad area. The solemny meet up was done on the border bridge in Tražačka Raštela. During the Operation Sana 95 5th Corps captured biggest war loot the ARBiH ever had. Inventory of ARBiH weaponry grew exponentially after Operation Sana 95 which equipped the unit for further Operation Prijedor 95. In April 2018, police detained Atif Dudaković and 12 others on suspicion of committing crimes against humanity during the Bosnian war. The court process is still ongoing without established evidence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina</span>

This section is about the history of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina that existed from 1992 to 1995, then it was formed into two armies of the two entities from 1998 to 2005 and finally transformed into the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (OSBIH).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Franjo Šimić</span>

Franjo Šimić was a Croatian colonel, and later general, in the Croatian Home Guard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3rd Corps (Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina)</span> Military unit

The 3rd Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina was one of five corps that comprised the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was established by the order of the Commander of Main Staff of the Bosnian Army Sefer Halilović on 9 November 1992 under Alija Izetbegović. This Corps was formed to unite the rest of the Territorial Defence Force of the Republic of Bosnia and Hercegovina and some Bosnian Special Forces and Civilian Forces.

Operation Vrbas '92 was a military offensive undertaken by the Army of Republika Srpska in June–October 1992, during the Bosnian War. The goal of the operation was the destruction of a salient around the central Bosnian town of Jajce, which was held by the Croatian Defence Council and the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The intensity of fighting varied considerably and involved several major VRS offensive efforts interspersed by relative lulls in fighting. Jajce fell to the VRS on 29 October 1992, and the town's capture was followed by the destruction of all its mosques and Roman Catholic churches.

Operation Winter '94 was a joint military offensive of the Croatian Army (HV) and the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) fought in southwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina between 29 November and 24 December 1994. The operation formed part of the Croatian War of Independence and the Bosnian War fought between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and two unrecognized para-states proclaimed by Croatian Serbs and Bosnian Serbs. Both para-states were supported by the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) and Serbia. The JNA pulled out in 1992, but transferred much of its equipment to the Bosnian Serb and Croatian Serb forces as it withdrew.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timeline of the Croat–Bosniak War</span> Listing of important events

The Croat–Bosniak War was a conflict between the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Croatian Community of Herzeg-Bosnia, supported by Croatia, that lasted from 19 June 1992 – 23 February 1994. The Croat-Bosniak War is often referred to as a "war within a war" because it was part of the larger Bosnian War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Spider</span> 1994–1995 offensive during the Bosnian War

Operation Spider were a series of military actions in northwestern Bosnia that began in November 1994 and continued until December 1994. It was a combined effort of Republika Srpska and the Republic of Serb Krajina to recover the territory of the Autonomous Province of Western Bosnia (APZB), which was a key ally of the Serbs. Franko Simatović and Jovica Stanišić commanded the offensive. The Bosnian central government had previously overrun and seized the territory. The offensive ended in a Serb victory and the Autonomous Province of Western Bosnia remained in existence until the fall of its key ally, the Republic of Serbian Krajina, and the subsequent end of the war.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of Kupres (1994)</span> Battle of the Bosnian War

The Battle of Kupres was a battle of the Bosnian War, fought between the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ARBiH) and the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) on one side and the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS) on the other from 20 October to 3 November 1994. It marks the first tangible evidence of the Bosniak–Croat alliance set out in the Washington Agreement of March 1994, brokered by the United States to end the Croat–Bosniak War fought between the ARBiH and the HVO in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ARBiH and the HVO were not coordinated at first, rather they launched separate operations aimed at capture of Kupres.

The Battle of Kupres was a battle of the Bosnian War, fought between the Bosnian Croat Territorial Defence Force supported by the Croatian Army troops on one side and the Yugoslav People's Army, augmented by the Bosnian Serb TO on the other at the Kupres Plateau, on 3–11 April 1992. During the fighting on 8 April, the Bosnian Croat TO was reorganised as the Croatian Defence Council. The objective of the battle was to control the strategic Kupres Plateau, a major supply route.

Operation Southern Move was the final Croatian Army (HV) and Croatian Defence Council (HVO) offensive of the Bosnian War. It took place in western Bosnia and Herzegovina on 8–11 October 1995. Its goal was to help the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ARBiH) whose positions around the town of Ključ, captured by them during Operation Sana, were endangered by a counteroffensive by the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS). The objectives of Operation Southern Move included the capture of the town of Mrkonjić Grad and positions on the Manjača Mountain which would allow the HV and the HVO to directly threaten Banja Luka, the largest city controlled by Bosnian Serbs. Finally, the offensive was also aimed at capturing the Bočac Hydroelectric Power Station, the last significant source of electricity under VRS control in western Bosnia and Herzegovina. The combined HV and HVO forces were under the overall command of HV Major General Ante Gotovina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Partisan Long March</span> Military maneuver in World War II

The Partisan Long March was the redeployment of Josip Broz Tito's Partisan Supreme Headquarters and the major fighting elements of the Yugoslav Partisans across the Independent State of Croatia, from south-eastern to north-western Bosnia that commenced in late June 1942. The march followed the first large-scale joint German-Italian counter-insurgency operation in the NDH, Operation Trio, and the combined Italian-Montenegrin Chetnik offensive in Montenegro and eastern Herzegovina.

The Battle of Bugojno was fought between forces of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ARBiH) and the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) for control of the town and municipality of Bugojno in central Bosnia, from 18–28 July 1993. The area of Bugojno was under joint control of the ARBiH 307th Brigade and the HVO Eugen Kvaternik Brigade since the start of the Bosnian War. Violent incidents in Bugojno followed the escalation of the Croat-Bosniak War in adjacent municipalities throughout the 1st half of 1993. Bugojno was spared from fighting and the two local brigades were still formally allied by June 1993, at the time of an ARBiH offensive in central Bosnia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Vlašić</span> Military engagement of the Bosnian War

Operation Vlašić was a military offensive undertaken by the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ARBiH) during the Bosnian War, during which it captured Mount Vlašić in central Bosnia, which had been under the control of the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS) until then. The battle took place from March 20 to 24, 1995. The commander of the forces of the Army of BiH was General Mehmed Alagić. 100 square kilometres (39 sq mi) of territory was liberated in this action, among which was a relay.

References

  1. 1 2 General Staff of the Army; Directorate for Operational Planning (March 24, 1995). "Report on the number of military personnel serving in the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina" (PDF). BosniaFacts.info. Kakanj. p. 1. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  2. Mustafa Polutak (April 13, 2013). "Important decisions of the Supreme Command on changes in the organizational formation structure in the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina". Srednja Bosna od Washingtona do Daytona (Central Bosnia from Washington to Dayton) Wartime 1994-1995 (2014 ed.). Udruženje za zaštitu tekovina borbe za Bosnu i Hercegovinu. p. 57. ISBN   9789958819148.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Jasmin Ganić (April 13, 2013). "Restructuring of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the formation of the 7th Corps". Srednja Bosna od Washingtona do Daytona (Central Bosnia from Washington to Dayton) Wartime 1994-1995. Travnik: Udruženje za zaštitu tekovina borbe za Bosnu i Hercegovinu. pp. 41–44. ISBN   9789958819148.
  4. 1 2 Headquarters of the Supreme Command (January 11, 1994). Order (Report). Number: 14/75-160/94.
  5. Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency (February 26, 1994). Formation of the 7th Corps of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Report). Vol. 02-8-135/94. Decision.
  6. 1 2 Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency (February 26, 1994). Mehmed Alagić appointed as commander of 7th Corps (Report). Vol. 02-111-134/94. Decision.
  7. 7th Corps (Report). Vol. Command structure of the 7th Corps by all elements put into operation. 1994. p. Page: 1. War diary.
  8. Bethlehem, Daniel L.; Weller, Marc (1997). The 'Yugoslav' Crisis in International Law. Cambridge International Documents Series. Vol. 5. Cambridge University Press. p. liiv. ISBN   978-0-521-46304-1.
  9. 1 2 "Dayton Peace Accords on Bosnia". US Department of State. 30 March 1996. Archived from the original on 22 May 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  10. "The Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina" (PDF). Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina - White Paper: 25. Jun 2005. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  11. "Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina" (PDF). The Office of the High Representative (OHR). Article V: Presidency; 5. Standing Committee; a. p. 7. Retrieved 27 August 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  12. 1 2 3 4 Edin Ramić (2023). "3.1 Formation of the 7th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina". Kupreška operacija - Jesen 1994 (Kupres Operation - Autumn 1994). Bugojno: Bošnjačka zajednica kulture Preporod. pp. 57–62.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 Hasib Mušinbegović; Hamza Višća; Fikret Tabaković; Kemo Bećirević; Šefkija Biogradlić (2000). Monograph - Golden Lilies and decorated members of the Army of Republic of the Bosnia and Herzegovina - 1992-1995. ZK Vojske F BiH.
  14. "Tadić (IT-94-1)". International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). 15 July 1999. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  15. "Brđanin (IT-99-36)". International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). 3 April 2007. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  16. "Stanišić & Simatović (MICT-15-96-A)". International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. 30 June 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  17. "Aleksovski (IT-95-14/1)". International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). 24 March 2000. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  18. "Blaškić (IT-95-14)". International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). 29 July 2004. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  19. "Kordić & Čerkez (IT-95-14/2)". International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). 26 February 2001. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  20. "Naletilić & Martinović (IT-98-34)". International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). 3 May 2006. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  21. "Prlić et al. (IT-04-74)". International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). 29 May 2013. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  22. 1 2 Central Bosnia from Washington to Dayton, Mobility of the Units of the 7th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, General Fikret Ćuskić, P237.
  23. Operacija Vlašić (Operation Vlašić); Hasib Mulinbegović, Remzija Šiljk and Kemo Bećirevića (1999); P244.
  24. Amir Kliko, Fikret Ćuskić, 17th Knight's Krajina Mountain Brigade. Ključ - Sarajevo: Association of the 17th Knight's Krajina Mountain Brigade, Institute for History, 2010, P320.
  25. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "IT-01-47-T" (PDF). The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). 15 March 2006. pp. 108–109. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  26. Archives of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, GŠA fund, No: 13/204-7, Date: 15.04.1993
  27. 1 2 3 4 Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Order Confidential No: 02-111-47/95, Date: January 18, 1995.
  28. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Edin Ramić (2023). "3.2 Brigades in the 7th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina". Kupreška operacija - Jesen 1994 (Kupres Operation - Autumn 1994). Bugojno: Bošnjačka zajednica kulture Preporod. pp. 64–65.
  29. 1 2 3 4 Edin Ramić (2023). "3.2 Brigades in the 7th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina". Kupreška operacija - Jesen 1994 (Kupres Operation - Autumn 1994). Bugojno: Bošnjačka zajednica kulture Preporod. pp. 66–67.
  30. Hell in Central Bosnia: war year 1993: collection of papers from the round table held on April 11, 2011 in Travnik; P52.
  31. Čamdžić, Fahir (20 December 2021). "Obilježavanje 29. godišnjice 306/706. brdske brigade Armije RBiH". travnik-grad.info. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  32. 1 2 3 4 Edin Ramić (2023). "3.2 Brigades in the 7th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina". Kupreška operacija - Jesen 1994 (Kupres Operation - Autumn 1994). Bugojno: Bošnjačka zajednica kulture Preporod. pp. 68–69.
  33. Archives of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, GŠA fund, No: 02-011-789/95, Date 01.12.1995.
  34. Pre-war 1991 and wartime 1992, CENTRAL BOSNIA DEFYANT, Proceedings of the round table held; April 14, 2012 in Travnik; P281
  35. Portal, Town and a municipality of Travnik (13 October 2021). "Na današnji dan poginuo komandant Osman Porić". travnik.ba. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  36. Pre-war 1991 and war 1992, CENTRAL BOSNIA DEFYANT, Proceedings of the round table held; April 14, 2012 in Travnik; P150.
  37. Archives of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, GŠA fund, No: 02-011-753 and 778/95, Date: 24.11.1995
  38. "Major Mihajlo Petrović, beograđanin u odbrani bosne". Pravda Bosne. 25 October 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  39. Portal, Town and a municipality of Travnik (23 November 2020). "28. Godišnjica 312/712. Slavne brdske brigade - Travnik". travnik.ba. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  40. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Edin Ramić (2023). "3.2 Brigades in the 7th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina". Kupreška operacija - Jesen 1994 (Kupres Operation - Autumn 1994). Bugojno: Bošnjačka zajednica kulture Preporod. p. 71.
  41. 1 2 Pre-war 1991 and wartime 1992, CENTRAL BOSNIA DEFYANT, Proceedings of the round table held; April 14, 2012 in Travnik; P71
  42. Portal, Town and a municipality of Veterans (21 March 2022). ""Zlatni ljiljan": Sjećanje na heroje". veterani.ba. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  43. Edin Ramić (2023). "3.2 Brigades in the 7th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina". Kupreška operacija - Jesen 1994 (Kupres Operation - Autumn 1994). Bugojno: Bošnjačka zajednica kulture Preporod. p. 65.
  44. 1 2 3 Edin Ramić (2023). "3.2 Brigades in the 7th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina". Kupreška operacija - Jesen 1994 (Kupres Operation - Autumn 1994). Bugojno: Bošnjačka zajednica kulture Preporod. pp. 67–68.
  45. 1 2 Order of the Headquarters of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Top sec. No: 14/75-121; Date: October 21, 1993.
  46. "IT-01-47-T" (PDF). The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). 15 March 2006. pp. 109–110. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  47. Veterani, Portal (8 September 2023). "Formirana 307./707. slavna brdska brigada". veterani.ba. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  48. Edin Ramić (April 13, 2013). Srednja Bosna od Washingtona do Daytona (Central Bosnia from Washington to Dayton) (Report). Travnik. p. 94. Zbornik radova sa Okruglog stola.
  49. 1 2 3 4 5 Municipal Headquarters of Territorial Defense, Captain 1st rank Fikret Musa, Order No.: 01-110/92, Date: June 12, 1992.
  50. Portal, Gornji Vakuf (10 August 2011). "Osamnaest godina od pogibije Bedrudina Milanovića". gornjivakuf.com. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  51. Archives of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, GŠA fund, No: 02-136-786, 787 and 788, Date 14.12.1993.
  52. Order of the Headquarters of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Number : 02-111-310/94, Date: April 04, 1994.
  53. 1 2 3 Edin Ramić (2023). "3.2 Brigades in the 7th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina". Kupreška operacija - Jesen 1994 (Kupres Operation - Autumn 1994). Bugojno: Bošnjačka zajednica kulture Preporod. p. 72.
  54. Pre-war 1991 and wartime 1992, CENTRAL BOSNIA DEFYANT, Proceedings of the round table held; April 14, 2012 in Travnik; P322
  55. 1 2 Sloboda List 7. Korpusa Armije Republike Bosne i Hercegovine (Reprint ed.). Sarajevo: Hasib Mušinbegović. 2003. p. 9-10.