Aggressor composition in Operation Birch '94

Background

The “Breza ‘94” offensive was personally commanded by General Ratko Mladić. The goal was to break the resistance of the 505th Buzim Brigade and capture Buzim, one of the most stubborn strongholds of the ARBiH.

Course of the operation

The attack involved the 1st and 2nd Krajina Corps of the VRS, including the 5th Kozara, 6th Sana, 1st Novigrad, 43rd Prijedor and 33rd Dvor brigades, as well as the elite “Panthers” under the command of Ljubiša Savić “Mauzer”. During a single day, more than 1,500 projectiles fell on the positions of the 505th Brigade.

Outcome

Despite the massive artillery preparation and the engagement of elite units, the 505th Brigade repelled the offensive and defended Buzim. Mladić’s offensive thus ended in failure.

Significance

Breza ‘94 showed that neither the personal command of the highest VRS commander nor the massive use of artillery was enough to break the resistance of the 505th Buzim Brigade. This remained a symbol of Buzim’s impregnability.

Sources

Data retrieved from 5korpus.com/operacije/breza-94-sastav/ https://arhiv.stav.ba/2016/10/01/breza-94-sastav-agresora/