Final preparations are underway in Knin for the central celebration of the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm, and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić shared personal memories and revealed details of a rich program.
Final preparations are underway in Knin for the commemoration of the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm. The central celebration will be held on Wednesday, bringing together the entire state leadership as well as numerous veterans and citizens. Speeches will be given by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, President Zoran Milanović, and Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandroković, with many MPs and representatives of veterans' associations also expected to attend. Defense Minister Ivan Anušić has already arrived in the city and shared his wartime memories in an interview with RTL Danas.
The Defense Minister revealed that he did not take part in Operation Storm because he was on a different front. "I was in eastern Slavonia. Our units were waiting for an operation that was supposed to be called Thunder and the liberation of eastern Slavonia," Anušić recalled. When asked if he regrets not being part of that historic operation, he answered honestly.
"Of course I regret it. Both as a soldier and as someone who was there from 1991 all the time. Of course you want to reclaim the territory you lost in war, in battles and skirmishes, in the same way. We didn't reclaim it that way, but through peaceful reintegration, which ultimately proved to be the better solution because there would have been many casualties on our side. But we would certainly have accomplished that task as well."
He emphasized that Croatia today is a free country, within its borders, with its territory under the control of the Croatian police, military, and politics. "We have lived the dream of those who did not live to see it but gave their lives for that goal. We must respect, honor, and value that," the Defense Minister said. He added that the Croatian military has "always been ready, in peace and in war."
This year's celebration will feature 300 members of the Croatian Armed Forces, with all protocols rehearsed down to the smallest detail. A special attraction this year is the flyover of Rafale jets. "We will see three Rafales fly over during the minute of silence. One Rafale will return and demonstrate all the capabilities our pilots can currently perform," Anušić announced.
Citizens will be able to view displayed military equipment and weaponry, including the already positioned TTS BOR. The program also includes demonstration exercises by special forces in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior, as well as parachute jumps. "We are especially focused on the youngest, children and schoolchildren, to show what the profession of a Croatian soldier offers and how to pursue it," the Minister added.
The Mayor of Knin, Marijo Ćaćić, recalled his own return to the city after Operation Storm. "It was as if time stood still. I was overcome with emotion..." said Ćaćić, describing the moments that followed the liberation.
Anušić noted that the raising of the flag above the Knin Fortress and the reading of the names of fallen and missing defenders is a particularly emotional moment. "Of course it is an emotional moment because we remember those who were with us and who are no longer here to experience the time of freedom. We live in a free Croatia today and enjoy all those benefits, but they are not with us," he said.
This year, Montenegro is sending its representatives to the celebration, a move that drew criticism from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. Anušić welcomed Podgorica's decision. "Croatia expects Montenegro to do this, and I congratulate them on that decision. They are welcome. If Montenegro wants to be a member of the European Union and Euro-Atlantic integrations, then such behavior is expected," he said.
He responded directly to Vučić's objections: "Aleksandar Vučić has the right to criticize Montenegro. He criticizes everything and anything, both us and Montenegro. That is his problem, and let him conduct his policy as he sees fit. We will conduct our policy as we see fit, and we'll see who ends up where in the end."
He also commented on recent tensions with the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Tihomir Kundid, following Prime Minister Andrej Plenković's statement about a loss of confidence. "No, it's not. It's resolved; the situation that existed is over. We stated our positions and we continue to hold them, as does the Prime Minister. We must move forward and keep working," Anušić said.
He stressed that the modernization of the Armed Forces is a priority. "For the first time in 31 years, we are modernizing the Armed Forces, and that is the primary and main interest. Everything else is secondary," the Defense Minister concluded.
