Croatia recently marked the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm, a pivotal military offensive that recaptured territory from Serb separatists. The commemorations, highlighted by a large military parade in Zagreb, showcased Croatia’s modern military might and celebrated a decisive victory in the 1991-1995 war. However, the anniversary remains a deeply divisive issue, evoking memories of war crimes and mass displacement for Serbs, underscoring the lingering tensions between Croatia and Serbia.
A Celebration of Victory and Strength
Croatia celebrated the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm with its largest military parade to date. Thousands of soldiers, police, and war veterans marched through Zagreb, displaying the country’s latest military hardware, including Turkish Bayraktar drones, German Leopard tanks, and French Rafale fighter jets. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic emphasized the display of national strength, while President Zoran Milanovic reiterated the operation’s significance in changing the course of the war. The event, coinciding with Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, underscored Croatia’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities, especially in light of regional security concerns.
Deeply Divided Memories
Operation Storm, which lasted from August 4-7, 1995, saw the Croatian army recapture the breakaway Krajina region, held by ethnic Serbs since 1991. While Croatia views it as a legitimate and heroic military victory, Serbia remembers it as a period of ethnic cleansing and suffering. The offensive led to the exodus of approximately 200,000 ethnic Serbs, with reports of looting, destruction of homes, and civilian deaths. Serbia commemorates the event as a "pogrom" and has advised its citizens against traveling to Croatia during the anniversary period. The differing perspectives highlight the lack of reconciliation between the two nations.
Key Takeaways:
- Croatia held a large military parade to mark the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm.
- The operation is viewed as a victory in Croatia but as ethnic cleansing in Serbia.
- The anniversary highlights ongoing tensions and a lack of reconciliation between the two countries.
- Croatia is modernizing its military, acquiring new Western and NATO-compatible equipment.
Lingering Scars and Calls for Reconciliation
Despite Croatia’s official expression of regret in 2020 for crimes committed against Serbs during the operation, deep divisions persist. The Croatian Helsinki Committee reported hundreds of civilian deaths and thousands of destroyed homes during Operation Storm. While some Serbs have returned to Croatia, their numbers are significantly lower than before the war. The differing narratives and the continued emphasis on nationalism on both sides suggest that true reconciliation remains a distant goal. Some Croatian civil society groups have also questioned the focus on military might, advocating for peace and healing instead.
Sources
- Operation Oluja still dividing Croatia and Serbia, 30 years on, RFI.
- 30 years since Croatia’s war of independence – DW – 08/05/2025, DW.
- Victory and exile: Operation Oluja still dividing Croatia and Serbia, 30 years on, Modern Ghana.
- Croatia holds military parade as it marks 30 years since a key war victory, ABC News.
- Returning home 30 years after ‘Operation Storm’ – DW – 08/04/2025, DW.
