Siege of Kotor Varoš

The siege of Kotor Varoš took place during the Bosnian War in 1992. Kotor Varoš is a town located in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The conflict involved HVO, HOS and ARBiH against VRS. Kotor Varoš was surrounded by the VRS. At the beginning of the main battles for Kotor Varoš HVO and ARBiH from Kotor Varoš got big help from Jajce soldiers. After the fall of Kotor Varoš, the VRS in south almost 2 months later ended its operation Vrbas '92, capturing Jajce.

Siege of Kotor Varoš
Part of the Bosnian War
HVO and ARBiH soldiers leave Kotor Varoš
Date May 1992 – August 1992 Location Kotor Varoš, Bosnia and Herzegovina Result Republika Srpska victory Republika Srpska captures Kotor Varoš
Belligerents
Republika Srpska	Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Herzeg-Bosnia
Commanders and leaders
Stanislav Galić Dragan Marčetić	Tihomir Blaškić Muhamed Sadiković
Units involved
Army of Republika Srpska	Croatian Defence Council Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Croatian Defence Forces

Timeline

In May the VRS launched a major offensive to seize control of areas with significant Croat and Bosniak populations. The town of Kotor Varoš became a strategic target. In June 11–12, Initial VRS attacks on HVO and HOS aimed at gaining control of Kotor Varoš and surrounding villages. The HVO and local Bosniak forces attempted to defend the area but faced overwhelming VRS strength. On June 24, 1992, Heavy fighting occurred around Kotor Varoš as VRS forces intensified their offensive. Reports indicate significant casualties and destruction of property. In June VRS also started operation Vrbas '92, attacking the nearby town of Jajce. In July, clashes continued with the VRS gradually gaining control over Kotor Varoš. The HVO and ARBiH were pushed back, and many civilians fled or were displaced. By mid-August, the VRS had established control over Kotor Varoš and surrounding areas. There were also smaller rebel fights around Kotor Varoš in September, but they were resolved by an agreement that the remaining Croatian and Muslim forces would leave the area.

Aftermath

The battle resulted in significant destruction and displacement of the civilian population. Reports of atrocities and ethnic cleansing emerged, with many non-Serb residents being expelled or killed. But even when Kotor Varoš was under Croatian control, there were crimes against Serbs. One example was Serdari massacre. The capture of Kotor Varoš by the VRS solidified their control over a strategically important area in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aftermath of the battle left deep scars on the Muslim and Croat community.