upgrade

🇪🇺european history – 1945 to present review

Operation Storm

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Operation Storm was a major military offensive launched by the Croatian Army in August 1995, aimed at reclaiming territories held by Serb forces in Croatia. This operation marked a pivotal moment in the Croatian War of Independence and significantly altered the balance of power in the region, leading to the end of large-scale hostilities in Croatia and contributing to the ongoing conflicts in Bosnia and Kosovo.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Operation Storm began on August 4, 1995, and lasted for just five days, during which Croatian forces quickly retook significant territories from Serb control.
  2. The operation resulted in the displacement of around 200,000 Serbs from the Krajina region, leading to accusations of ethnic cleansing against Croatian forces.
  3. It effectively ended the Croatian War of Independence and shifted the focus to the ongoing conflict in Bosnia, setting the stage for subsequent military actions there.
  4. International reactions were mixed; while some countries supported Croatia's right to reclaim its territory, others criticized the human rights violations that occurred during and after the operation.
  5. The success of Operation Storm significantly bolstered Croatia's national identity and paved the way for its eventual recognition as an independent state within the international community.

Review Questions

  • How did Operation Storm influence the outcome of the Croatian War of Independence?
    • Operation Storm played a crucial role in determining the outcome of the Croatian War of Independence by enabling Croatian forces to regain control over territories held by Serb forces. This swift military offensive not only reclaimed significant areas but also shifted the balance of power decisively in favor of Croatia. The operation's success marked a turning point that led to the eventual conclusion of large-scale hostilities in Croatia.
  • Discuss the humanitarian implications resulting from Operation Storm, particularly concerning ethnic displacement and allegations of war crimes.
    • The humanitarian implications of Operation Storm were profound, as it led to the displacement of approximately 200,000 ethnic Serbs from their homes in Krajina. Many were forced to flee due to violence and intimidation, raising serious concerns about ethnic cleansing during this period. Allegations of war crimes were directed towards Croatian forces, highlighting the complexities surrounding military actions taken in pursuit of national objectives and raising important questions about accountability and justice.
  • Evaluate how Operation Storm set the stage for subsequent conflicts in Bosnia and Kosovo, considering regional stability and international intervention.
    • Operation Storm significantly impacted regional stability by altering power dynamics not only within Croatia but also influencing the broader conflicts in Bosnia and Kosovo. The operation's success emboldened Croatian nationalistic sentiments while also exacerbating tensions between ethnic groups in neighboring regions. This shift contributed to increased violence in Bosnia, leading to further international intervention, such as the Dayton Accords, aimed at achieving peace but ultimately revealing how one conflict can deeply affect another in a volatile region.