Operation Lightning '93
360 against a brigade - and they won
Date
1993
Type
Offensive
Result
Commander
Izet Nanić
Course of the Operation
The first major offensive of the 5th Corps. Only 360 lightly armed fighters of the 505th Brigade defeated a well-entrenched VRS brigade. 163 VRS soldiers were killed, and only 18 from the 505th Brigade. This operation demonstrated that the 5th Corps could defeat a larger and better armed enemy.
Key Facts
Force ratio 1:5 in favor of the enemy
163 to 18 - the most convincing victory in 1993
Proved the 5th Corps could stand against the VRS
Outcome
VRS brigade destroyed, 163 dead vs 18. Corps morale boosted enormously.
Background
During 1993, the 505th Buzim Brigade under Izet Nanić was in constant defense against superior VRS forces. In one engagement, the brigade demonstrated exceptional tactical superiority over the enemy.
Course of the operation
In Operation Lightning (Munja), 360 members of the 505th Buzim Brigade engaged an entire VRS brigade. Parallel to this action, a raid was carried out on the Željava airfield, then under enemy control.
Outcome
The result was devastating for the aggressor: 163 VRS dead against 18 ARBiH dead. The loss ratio was 1 to 5 in favor of the 505th Brigade, one of the most favorable ratios in the brigade’s history.
Significance
Operation Lightning ‘93 proved the tactical superiority of the 505th Buzim Brigade and became a symbol of its combat efficiency. Such a loss ratio is rare in engagements on such a small area.
Sources
Data retrieved from 5korpus.com/operacije/munja-93/
Details
505th Buzim Brigade
Break a well-entrenched VRS brigade in the Buzim area
163
18
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