At the commemoration of the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm, Croatian political representatives from the homeland and BiH gathered, emphasizing the operation's crucial significance in ending the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Zoran Milanović, President of the Republic of Croatia, delivered a message in Knin on the occasion of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders, underscoring the deep intertwining of the struggle of Croats on both sides of the border. "Croats in BiH and Croatia fought a joint and inseparable war," Milanović stated, as reported by Vrisak.info.
The President expressed gratitude to the defenders, their families, and all who contributed to the defense of the country. He also recalled a tradition dating back to 2012, according to which, at the very beginning of the ceremony, one of the direct participants in the war operations speaks on behalf of the defenders.
The commemoration of the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm was also attended by a delegation from the Croatian National Assembly (HNS) of BiH, the umbrella organization of Croatian parties. Dragan Čović, President of the HNS, assessed that Operation Storm is a symbol of freedom, unity, and the strength of the defenders, adding that it significantly changed the balance of power on the battlefields in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"That victory had profound significance for Bosnia and Herzegovina as well, especially for the Croatian people who, in the most difficult years, shared the same struggle, sacrifice, and hope," Čović said.
Ilija Cvitanović, leader of HDZ 1990, asserted that Operation Storm made a crucial contribution to calming the conflict and creating the preconditions for the end of the war in BiH. He particularly emphasized the immense role of Croats from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"Operation Storm is not only a magnificent military victory but also a lasting symbol of courage, unity, and unwavering determination of Croatian defenders. With special respect, we also remember the immeasurable contribution of Croats from Bosnia and Herzegovina who, shoulder to shoulder with Croatian defenders, participated in the defense of the Croatian people and the creation of peace," Cvitanović said.
The military-police operation Operation Storm was not only a decisive triumph in the Homeland War but also paved the way for further offensives by the Croatian Army (HV) and the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) on the territory of BiH. During Operation Maestral, carried out in coordination with the Bosniak Army of BiH, a large part of western Bosnia was liberated. Subsequently, in Operation Southern Move, HV and HVO units advanced to the outskirts of Banja Luka. These military achievements forced the Serbian side in BiH to the negotiating table and enabled the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement in November 1995.
