Okučani Commemorates Flash, the Operation That Announced Storm 31 Years Ago

Okučani, Croatia – Today, Croatia solemnly marks the 31st anniversary of Operation Flash (Operacija Bljesak), a pivotal military offensive that liberated western Slavonia and served as a critical prelude to the decisive Operation Storm (Oluja). This commemoration honors the bravery and sacrifice of the Croatian defenders who fought to reclaim their homeland.

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Operaciju Bljesak odobrio je hrvatski državni i vojni vrh na čelu s predsjednikom Republike dr. Franjom Tuđmanom, a nakon što su pobunjeni Srbi koncem travnja 1995. godine prekršili dogovor o prometnicama, odnosno zatvorili promet na okupiranom dijelu autoceste Zagreb-Lipovac.

The operation, authorized by President Franjo Tuđman and the Croatian military leadership, was launched in response to the breakdown of a ceasefire agreement by rebel Serbs, who had blocked key transport routes. Beginning on May 1, 1995, Operation Flash swiftly engaged approximately 7,200 Croatian soldiers and police officers across an 80-kilometer front. Within just 32 hours, Croatian forces successfully severed rebel control over occupied territories, liberated key towns like Okučani, and restored control over vital infrastructure, including the Zagreb-Lipovac highway.

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U manje od 32 sata, 1. i 2. svibnja hrvatske snage oslobodile su oko 500 četvornih kilometara dotad okupiranog zapadnoslavonskog teritorija te uspostavile nadzor nad autocestom Zagreb-Lipovac i željezničkom prugom prema istocnoj Slavoniji.

Operation Flash was a testament to Croatia's military capability, demonstrating readiness for more complex operations. Its swift success not only liberated territory but also bolstered national morale, setting the stage for Operation Storm just three months later. This subsequent operation ultimately crushed the Serb rebellion that had begun in 1990. The anniversary serves as a solemn reminder of the 51 Croatian defenders who lost their lives and the 162 who were wounded, ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten. The event includes traditional ceremonies, a tactical-technical exhibition, and a memorial mass, reinforcing national unity and remembrance.

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Munjevita akcija, koju su predvodile gardijske postrojbe, uz snažnu topničku i raketnu potporu, te potporu specijalne policije, pješaštva i zrakoplovstva, pokazala je kako je Hrvatska spremna i za složenije operacije, a što se potvrdilo samo tri mjeseca kasnije, u operaciji Oluja, kojom je definitivno slomljena srpska pobuna započeta balvan revolucijom u kolovozu 1990. godine.