Battle of Duga Resa was a military engagement during the Croatian War of Independence, specifically in 1991. This battle was part of the broader conflict between Croatian forces and the Serb forces from Croatia, including the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) and various paramilitary groups.
Background
editDuga Resa is a town located in central Croatia, near Karlovac. As tensions escalated between Croat nationalists seeking independence and Serb forces backing the Yugoslav government, Duga Resa became a strategic point due to its location along key transportation routes.
Combatants
editSerb Forces
Comprised primarily of the JNA and local Serb paramilitary units, these forces aimed to capture the town and establish control over the surrounding areas.
Croatian Forces
In response to the Serb advances, Croatian forces, including the Croatian National Guard (ZNG) and local volunteers, fought to defend the town and prevent its capture.
Course of the Battle
The battle took place in late 1991 and was marked by intense fighting. Serb forces launched a concerted offensive against Duga Resa, utilizing artillery and armored units. Despite fierce resistance from Croatian defenders, the overwhelming firepower and coordinated assaults of the Serb forces ultimately led to the capture of the town.
Outcome
The battle ended in a victory for the Serb forces, who gained control of Duga Resa. This loss was part of a broader campaign by Serb forces to expand their territory in central Croatia.
Aftermath
Following the capture, Duga Resa remained under Serb control until the area was liberated by Croatian forces in 1995 during Operation Storm. The battle had significant implications for the local population and the strategic landscape of the war, as it highlighted the intense regional conflicts and the shifting lines of control in Croatia.
Significance
The Battle of Duga Resa is remembered as a crucial moment in the Croatian War of Independence, exemplifying the brutal nature of the conflict and the struggle for territorial control. It served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Croatian forces in the early stages of the war.