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New Documents on the War in Vukovar in 1991
Kosta Nikolić
orcid.org/0000-0002-2451-8918
; Institut za savremenu istoriju, Beograd
Sažetak
Fighting over Vukovar in autumn 1991 was the most devastating
conflict of war in Croatia. Military leadership of the Yugoslav People's
Army (YNA) decided to conquer Vukovar at any cost, which triggered
prolonged attacks on this city. Whereas for Serbian public opinion
Vukovar became a symbol of determination to protect Croatian
Serbs, the battle for this city became a rallying cry in the history of
contemporary Croatian state, and even a focal point in formation of
its modern national and cultural identity. In this battle, the Yugoslav
Army used its superiority in firepower and control over airspace,
systematically bombing and almost completely destroying the city.
“The operation Vukovar” therefore became the biggest catastrophe
in the military history of that army. It also presented a turning point
of international public opinion in favour of Croatia, contributing
significantly to launching of procedure for recognition of Croatian
and Slovenian independence. The aftermath of the Vukovar siege
was especially chilling. The downfall was followed by conflict of the
military and new civilian authorities, contributing to poor administration
over the ruined city and its apocalyptic landscape. Looting
and lawlessness ensued, culminating in deportation of Croatian
population and mass execution of Croatian prisoners. This horrendous
chapter of the Yugoslav war left a deep and lasting scar in relations
between Serbia and Croatia.
Ključne riječi
Yugoslavia; Croatia; Yugoslav People's Army; War; Prisoners
Hrčak ID:
238209
URI
Datum izdavanja:
23.5.2020.
Posjeta: 10.802 *