Operation Dawn '95
The dawn that announced a new day
Date
May 1995
Type
Offensive
Result
Commander
Atif Dudaković
Course of the Operation
Operation Dawn '95 was launched in early May 1995 with the aim of expanding territory east of the Bihać enclave. The 501st and 510th Brigades broke through the positions of the 1st Drvar Light Brigade of the VRS at Grabež. The 502nd Brigade executed an outflanking maneuver through the forest and attacked the 17th Ključ Brigade from the rear, forcing the VRS to retreat toward Ripač. By 17 May, the 5th Corps had recaptured Ripač. Dudaković applied a cautious approach, consolidating gains before further advance, learning from previous offensives that had stalled due to overextension.
Key Facts
502nd Brigade executed a forest outflanking maneuver and attacked from the rear
Dudaković applied a cautious approach - consolidate before expanding
Outcome
Ripač and surrounding villages captured, VRS lines breached, territory expanded east of Bihać.
Background
In May 1995, the 5th Corps under Atif Dudaković prepared a breakthrough on the northern part of the front, aiming to open the path to the deblockade of the Bihać Pocket.
Course of the operation
Operation Dawn (Zora) was carried out on 17 May 1995. The 501st and 502nd Brigades, the 510th Brigade and the 5th Motorized Battalion participated in the attack. The forces broke through in the direction of Grabež and liberated the settlement of Ripač, an important bridgehead on the Una river.
Outcome
Ripač was liberated, and the 5th Corps established a firm bridgehead on the right bank of the Una. This created the preconditions for the subsequent offensive operations that would culminate in the deblockade of the Bihać Pocket.
Significance
Dawn ‘95 was a key breakthrough that showed the 5th Corps was ready to transition to a wider offensive. The liberation of Ripač had great strategic significance for further operations.
Sources
Data retrieved from 5korpus.com/operacije/zora-95/
Details
501st, 502nd, 510th Brigades and 5th Military Police Battalion
Breakthrough of VRS defensive lines at Grabež and capture of Ripač village
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