Siege of Kotor Varoš

The Siege of Kotor Varoš took place during the Bosnian War and lasted from May to August 1992. The conflict involved the Croatian Defence Council (HVO), Croatian Defence Forces (HOS) and the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina on one side, against the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS), in the village of Kotor Varoš. Kotor Varoš was surrounded by the VRS and heavy fighting took place throughout the summer of 1992, ending with the fall of the village and capture of Jajce by the VRS following Operation Vrbas '92.

Siege of Kotor Varoš
Part of the Bosnian War
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 Army of Republika Srpska (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. On June 11–12, initial VRS attacks on the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) and Croatian Defence Forces (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 indicated that there were significant casualties and destruction of property. In June the 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 Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (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 the village 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. When Kotor Varoš was under Croatian control, there were also crimes against Serbs. One such example was the 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.