Operation Spider
General Dudaković's hardest days
Date
November - December 1994
Type
Defensive
Result
Commander
Atif Dudaković
Course of the Operation
Operation 'Spider' was a joint offensive of the Army of Republika Srpska, the Army of Serbian Krajina and the renewed AP of Western Bosnia against the 5th Corps. It lasted from November to December 1994. With support from Serbian special forces, Abdić's forces retook Velika Kladuša by 17 December. This was the most difficult period for the 5th Corps - Dudaković later stated this was his most difficult war experience.
Key Facts
The most difficult period for the 5th Corps during the entire war
General Dudaković described this offensive as his most difficult war experience
Joint forces of VRS, SVK, APZB and Serbian volunteers
Outcome
Velika Kladuša lost, 5th Corps territory reduced. The corps consolidated and prepared for new operations.
Background
In November and December 1994, the 5th Corps faced a joint offensive of the VRS, SVK and APZB. This was one of the hardest periods in the corps’ history, later known as Operation Spider (Pauk).
Course of the operation
Under Atif Dudaković, the entire 5th Corps was engaged in defending the Bihać Pocket. Aggressor forces conducted continuous attacks along the entire front line. By 17 December 1994, under APZB pressure, the 5th Corps lost Velika Kladuša, which it had liberated in August of the same year.
Outcome
The corps managed to hold the main territory but lost Velika Kladuša and part of the area. The territory under 5th Corps control was reduced, and the combat line was pushed inside the pocket.
Significance
Operation Spider represents the hardest defensive period of the 5th Corps. Although part of the territory was lost, the corps survived the joint attack of three enemy formations and maintained the integrity of the Bihać Pocket.
Sources
Data retrieved from 5korpus.com/operacije/pauk/
Details
Entire 5th Corps
Defense of the Bihać Pocket against a joint VRS, SVK and APZB offensive
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