Operation Storm liberated most occupied territories

After four years of failed negotiations with separatists, the Croatian Government decided to liberate the occupied territories by force. On 4 August, Zagreb committed about 130,000 Croatian troops to Operation Storm (Oluja), by far the largest operation since the conflict began: in less than four days Croatia regained control over most of its territories that had been occupied since 1991, thus marking the end of the self-proclaimed "Republic of Serbian Krajina".

1995

4–7 August

Photo: MORH / HMDCDR

A strategic turning point

After restoring control of 10,400 square kilometres (representing 18.4% of its territory), Zagreb managed to reestablish communications between the north and south of the country, thus reconnecting with the coastal region of Dalmatia. This put an end to an untenable situation that had been hindering the country's development and posing a constant threat since 1991. Only 5% of the territory, in the eastern part of the country, remained occupied, but this strategic shift made an important difference and announced the forthcoming end of the conflict.