Commemorations for victims of Operation Storm held in Serbia, Croatia

Commemorations were held in both Serbia and Croatia to mark the anniversary of "Operation Storm," the 1995 Croatian military and police offensive that resulted in the displacement of thousands of Serbs and remains a deeply divisive issue between the two nations.

In Belgrade, Serbia, a memorial service took place at St. Mark's Church, honoring the Serbs who were killed or displaced during the operation. Officials from the Serbian refugee agency stated that more than 250,000 Serbs were expelled from Croatia during and after the offensive. They also reported that approximately 1,700 Serbs lost their lives, and over 700 remain unaccounted for.

Meanwhile, in Croatia, a memorial service for Serbian victims was held at a Serbian Orthodox church in the Diocese of Knin. Official Zagreb, however, prepared to commemorate the anniversary as a celebration of a decisive military victory that was instrumental in the country's war of independence.

Launched on August 4, 1995, Operation Storm restored Croatian government control over territory previously held by rebel Serbs. Despite its significance for Croatia, the operation continues to be a painful and contentious memory for Serbia, underscoring the lasting impact of the conflict.