VIDEO: How Croatia marked 31 years since Operation Storm in Knin
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
Croatia has marked the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm (Oluja) with a commemorative ceremony in Knin, bringing together state officials, Croatian veterans, members of the armed forces, police representatives and thousands of citizens.
The annual event marked Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, Croatian Veterans Day, and the anniversary of the military-police operation which took place from 4 to 7 August 1995 during the Croatian War of Independence.
The ceremony began with a traditional military parade through Knin, a religious service, and the laying of wreaths and lighting of candles at the Monument to the Croatian Victory “Storm 95” in memory of Croatian soldiers who lost their lives.
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
Addressing those gathered, Defence Minister Ivan Anušić said the anniversary was a moment of pride and remembrance, highlighting the role of Croatian veterans and the importance of preserving the memory of those who contributed to the country’s independence.
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković described Operation Storm as a turning point in Croatia’s modern history, while emphasising the importance of strengthening defence capabilities and security in the current international environment.
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
President Zoran Milanović, as Supreme Commander of the Croatian Armed Forces, paid tribute to Croatian veterans and thanked them for their contribution to achieving independence.
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
The central ceremony included the raising of the Croatian flag at Knin Fortress, the reading of the names of fallen and missing Croatian soldiers, a 31-gun salute, and a flyover by Rafale fighter aircraft of the Croatian Air Force.
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
The Croatian Armed Forces and Ministry of the Interior also presented their capabilities through military demonstrations, including special forces exercises, helicopter displays, parachute jumps and an aerial programme featuring the “Wings of Storm” aerobatic team.
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
Operation Storm involved around 200,000 Croatian soldiers and police officers. During the operation, 243 Croatian veterans were killed, 1,430 were wounded, and two remain missing.
(Photo credit: MORH/ F. Klen)
