Battle of Banj brdo

The Battle on Banj brdo (in Serian Cyrillic: Битка за Бањ брдо; in Serbian (romanized): Bitka za Banj brdo) was an attack executed by ARBiH soldiers when they sneaked up behind the Serbian defensive line in Banj brdo. This was one of the biggest battles in this area during the Bosnian War. It is also said that this battle was fought for the survival of the Serbian people (including civilians) on Majevica and Semberija.

Battle on Banj brdo in 1993
Part of the War in Bosnia
Banj brdo monument of fallen fighters
Date 21 April 1993 Location Banj brdo, Majevica, BiH Result Army of Republika Srpska victory ARBiH attack repelled, failure to capture Banj brdo
Belligerents
Republika Srpska	Bosnia and Herzegovina
Commanders and leaders
Slavko Gužvić Borivoje Đokić	Unknown
Units involved
Army of Republika Srpska 2nd Majevica Brigade	Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Casualties and losses
28 killed 24 wounded	61 killed 78 wounded

Background

Main article: Majevica front (1992-1995)

Throughout the Bosnian War, both VRS and ARBiH focused their attacks particularly in the region of Majevica due to its vital use in communication and supplies. The first clashes in the region occurred in 1992, when the ARBiH launched an offensive on the villages of Teočak and Priboj. This offensive failed failed and, after a Serb counteroffensive, they were forced to retreat.

Course of the battle

On 21 April 1993, elite Bosnian muslim units, coming from the villages of Teočak and Živinice, attacked a Serb defense line in Banj brdo, with their goal being to capture the hill. They initially succeeded, but they were forced to withdraw due to a Serb counteroffensive which lasted 22 hours. The ARBiH suffered heavy losses: 61 killed and 78 wounded, while the VRS' casualties were 28 killed and 24 wounded.