Operation Munja '93

Operation Munja 93 was a military operation conducted on January 11, 1993, by the 505th Bužim Brigade of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ARBiH). The operation aimed to regain control of the territory in the Banjani area from the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS).

Operation Munja '93
Part of the Bosnian War
Date January 11, 1993 Location Banjani Region Result ARBiH victory
Belligerents
Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina	Republika Srpska
Commanders and leaders
Izet Nanić	Ranko Dabić
Units involved
505th Buzim Brigade	1st Novigrad Light Brigade
Strength
360 soldiers	Unknown
Casualties and losses
18 dead	163 dead Several hundred wounded

Background

Planned in secrecy during October 1992, the operation involved 360 armed fighters from the 505th Bužim Brigade divided into six groups. An additional 360 unarmed personnel followed behind the combat groups, tasked with evacuating casualties and collecting weapons from the dead or wounded. Opposing them was VRS's battalion of the 1st Novigrad Light Brigade, equipped with heavier weaponry than the ARBiH forces.

Operation

The main attack targeted Banjani and Dobro Selo. The operation commenced on January 11th with assaults on VRS bunkers, marked by the use of the phrase "Allahu Akbar". Within two hours, the ARBiH inflicted a significant defeat on the VRS 1st Krajina Corps. By ten o'clock, most planned positions were secured, except for the Banjani school, which was captured two days later. VRS counterattacks using elite troops failed to retake any lost ground.

Aftermath

The 505th Bužim Brigade recaptured approximately 40 km² of territory during the operation. ARBiH losses amounted to 18 soldiers, 8 of whom died on the first day. VRS casualties included 163 confirmed deaths, and several hundred wounded. Operation Munja significantly bolstered the 505th Bužim Brigade's reputation, demonstrating their ability to prevail despite facing a force with superior weaponry.