Teočak and Priboj offensive

The Teočak and Priboj offensive was an offensive during the Bosnian war from 1st - 19 September 1992. The offensive was launched by the ARBiH to connect Teočak with Bosnian government territory. The Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina would successfully achieve this goal, however a counteroffensive was launched by the Army of Republika Srpska, and most of the 50 kilometers captured by the ARBiH had been retaken.

Teočak and Priboj offensive
Part of the Majevica front during the Bosnian War
Date 1st September – 19 September 1992 Location Teočak, Priboj, Majevica, Bosnia and Herzegovina Result Army of Republika Srpska victory 50km² (31mi²) occupied by the ARBiH is re-captured
Belligerents
Republika Srpska	Bosnia and Herzegovina
Commanders and leaders
Branko Pantelić †	Hajrudin Mešić
Units involved
Garda Panteri	Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Casualties and losses
16 killed	Unknown

Background

Majevica mountain was a coveted prize in the Bosnian War, as it housed a crucial radio tower that enabled communication, television broadcasting, and telephone services. Control of the mountain would have significant implications for both sides, as it would allow them to disrupt the supply lines and military operations of their opponents. By holding part of the mountain, the Bosnian Serbs and Bosnians could threaten each other's territories in North-Western Bosnia, making it a strategic battleground in the war.

Timeline

ARBiH offensive

On September 1, 1992, the battle for Majevička ulja 2 - West began. Captain Hajra's unit liberated and occupied enemy positions in Rožnje, Ravni Zavid, Skakovica, and Lipak. On September 3 and 4, 1992, key buildings in Obršine and Džemat were occupied by fighting forces. Commander Branko Pantelić, known as "Panther," was killed in action during this period. The battles that ensued were intense and protracted. Defenders of the territory fought to protect their lines and repel enemy attacks. The Teocak people played a crucial role in these battles. By September 19, 1992, all enemy attacks had been defeated and a territorial connection between Teočak, Goduš, Sapna, Kalesija, and Tuzla had been established.

Serbian Counteroffensive

The Serbs responded by launching a counteroffensive to recapture lands lost to the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it was a success and most of the 50 kilometers taken by the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking an end to the offensive.

Aftermath

Branko Pantelić, commander of the Serbian National Guard of SAO Semberija and Majevica was killed in action during this offensive, Ljubisa Savic took 1st command of the unit and renamed the unit to “Garda Panteri” in honor of Branko Pantelić.