Knin Ready for 31st Operation Storm Anniversary: Over 2,000 Participants
Final preparations are in full swing, and the celebration brings political tensions due to the arrival of a Montenegrin envoy
Final preparations are in full swing, and the celebration brings political tensions due to the arrival of a Montenegrin envoy
In Knin, on August 4, 2026, final preparations are underway for tomorrow's central commemoration of the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation Storm. On August 5, the town will once again host the celebration of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and Croatian Veterans Day, with organizers expecting a large turnout.
Darko Nekić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Veterans' Affairs, told Nova TV's Dnevnik that more than two thousand people will take part in the celebration. He emphasized that this number does not include citizens who will come to Knin on their own. According to estimates reported by HRT, around ten thousand visitors are expected.
The main part of the celebration will be held at the Dinara Stadium, where more than 200 Croatian Army soldiers are rehearsing every part of the ceremony. During preparations, a joint demonstration exercise is being performed, involving the Croatian Air Force, Military Police, and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia.
In recent days, the sky above the town has been overflown by the Wings of Storm aerobatic team, and one of the most attractive parts of the program will be the flyover of Rafale multi-role fighter jets. At the Knin Fortress, the stadium, and the town's streets, everything is being prepared for the arrival of numerous guests from all parts of Croatia.
City services are fully engaged in tidying up public areas. "We're doing everything we need to, from cleaning-you can see it for yourself. It's hot, but it'll pass," said Gordana Jurešić from the city services. Deputy Mayor of Knin, Marko Pehar, stated that all city services are involved in the organization. "All city services are working at full capacity to ensure everything is ready for Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, and I expect everything to go smoothly," Pehar said.
This year's celebration also has an international political dimension. Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia, has criticized the decision of the Government of Montenegro to send its envoy to the 31st anniversary celebration of Operation Storm in Knin.
Due to the expected large number of people and high temperatures, Knin's caterers are increasing their supplies of food and cold drinks and hiring additional staff to ensure everything runs smoothly.
