PHOTOS: 31st anniversary of Operation Flash marked with ceremony in Okučani

by croatiaweek
May 1, 2026
in News

(Photo: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Filip Glas)

Croatia has marked the 31st anniversary of Operation Flash, a pivotal military and police operation carried out during the Homeland War, with a central commemoration held in Okučani.

Operation Flash, conducted from 1 to 3 May 1995, was a swift and decisive 32-hour offensive that resulted in the liberation of occupied western Slavonia. The operation was crucial in restoring control over key transport routes and strengthening Croatia’s territorial integrity during the War of Independence.

The anniversary is observed each year on 1 May, with commemorations traditionally centred in Okučani, the focal point of the operation.

President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Zoran Milanović, attended this year’s ceremony alongside a state delegation.

(Photo: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Filip Glas)

The President laid a wreath and lit a candle at the “Crystal Cube of Serenity” memorial located in Dr Franjo Tuđman Square.

(Photo: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Filip Glas)

In addition to the presidential delegation, wreaths were laid by families of fallen Croatian defenders and those who died as a result of injuries sustained during the operation.

(Photo: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Filip Glas)

They were joined by wartime commanders, representatives of Homeland War associations, and delegations from the Croatian Parliament, the Government, as well as regional and local authorities.

(Photo: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Filip Glas)

Following the wreath-laying ceremony, the names of the defenders who lost their lives during Operation Flash were read aloud, along with a historical account of the operation.

A prayer for all fallen Croatian defenders was led by Military Ordinary Msgr Jure Bogdan.

(Photo: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Filip Glas)

Operation Flash remains one of the key military actions in Croatia’s modern history, symbolising the country’s efforts to restore sovereignty and security during the 1990s conflict.