Siege of Sarajevo

Definition

The Siege of Sarajevo was a prolonged military blockade and assault on the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Bosnian War from April 5, 1992, to February 29, 1996. This siege is notable for being one of the longest in modern history, resulting in significant civilian suffering and showcasing the complexities of ethnic tensions and conflicts in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The siege lasted nearly four years, making it one of the longest sieges in modern warfare, leading to over 13,000 deaths, including many civilians.
2. Sarajevo was heavily shelled and sniped by Bosnian Serb forces, leading to a humanitarian crisis with shortages of food, water, and medical supplies for the city's residents.
3. Despite the siege conditions, Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, which made its suffering during the siege even more poignant as it contrasted with its previous international image.
4. International attention to the siege increased as reports of atrocities and humanitarian violations emerged, ultimately contributing to calls for intervention by NATO and other organizations.
5. The siege officially ended with the signing of the Dayton Agreement in December 1995, which established peace and helped define Bosnia and Herzegovina's political structure moving forward.

Review Questions

• What were the main causes that led to the Siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War?
  • The Siege of Sarajevo stemmed from rising ethnic tensions and nationalism following Bosnia and Herzegovina's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia. The Bosnian Serb forces opposed this independence and sought to secure territorial claims. These tensions escalated into open conflict, leading to a brutal siege aimed at controlling the city and asserting dominance over its diverse population.
• Evaluate the impact of international intervention on the Siege of Sarajevo and its subsequent resolution.
  • International intervention during the Siege of Sarajevo was marked by limited effectiveness initially, as UN peacekeeping forces struggled to provide adequate protection for civilians. However, growing awareness of humanitarian violations eventually led NATO to conduct airstrikes against Bosnian Serb positions. This shift in international policy helped bring about negotiations that resulted in the Dayton Agreement, formally ending the siege and establishing a framework for peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Assess how the Siege of Sarajevo exemplifies broader themes of ethnic conflict and humanitarian crises in post-Yugoslav states.
  • The Siege of Sarajevo serves as a stark example of how ethnic conflict can lead to severe humanitarian crises in post-Yugoslav states. It highlights the intersection of national identity and violence where historical grievances contributed to deep-seated animosities among ethnic groups. The siege reflects not only local tensions but also how global responses can be inadequate in preventing or resolving such conflicts, thus shedding light on ongoing challenges related to ethnic nationalism and international intervention in war-torn regions.

Related terms

Bosnian War:

A conflict that took place between 1992 and 1995, primarily involving Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs, which emerged after Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence from Yugoslavia.

Ethnic Cleansing: A term used to describe the systematic removal or extermination of ethnic or religious groups from a given territory, often used in relation to the actions taken during the Bosnian War.

UN Peacekeeping Forces:

International troops deployed by the United Nations to help maintain peace and security during conflicts, which were present during the siege but faced criticism for their limited effectiveness.