Martić's Mad Revenge: Shattered Serb Army Attacks Civilians in Croatia

The unprovoked and brutal rocket attacks on Zagreb and other Croatian cities in May 1995 stand as a stark reminder of the senseless violence inflicted during the Croatian War of Independence. As reported by Večernji list, these attacks, ordered by Milan Martić, were a desperate act of revenge for the successful Croatian military operation, "Operation Flash." The targeting of civilian areas, including the Children's Hospital in Klaićeva Street, the Croatian National Theatre, and the Academy of Dramatic Art, demonstrates a callous disregard for human life and cultural heritage.

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My friend is wounded in the arm. Horrible! Their mother...

Večernji list's report from the time vividly captures the immediate aftermath: shattered glass, leaking fuel, and the palpable fear mixed with outrage among the citizens. Eyewitness accounts, such as one passerby exclaiming, "My friend is wounded in the arm. Horrible! Their mother...", underscore the personal tragedy behind the statistics. The presence of unexploded "bells" – the distinctive cluster bombs used – served as a constant, terrifying reminder of the danger that lingered.

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They are ordinary savages. Nobody else could do this. We should return this to them.

Despite the terror, the spirit of Zagreb's residents remained unbroken. Instead of succumbing to fear, they expressed anger and condemnation, labeling the perpetrators as "savages." This resilience, coupled with the clear evidence of intent to kill, as noted in Večernji's analysis, highlights the deep-seated resolve of the Croatian people against such aggression.

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According to what could be seen at the explosion sites, they wanted to kill.

The subsequent conviction of Milan Martić by the Hague Tribunal to 35 years in prison for crimes against humanity, including commanding these rocket attacks, provides a measure of justice. However, the scars of these attacks, both physical and psychological, remain a significant part of Croatia's modern history. The memory of Martić's "insane revenge" serves as a crucial historical lesson about the devastating consequences of war and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.

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I ordered the shelling of Zagreb.