Operation Sword-1
5 kilometers from the abyss
Date
July 1995
Type
Defensive
Result
Commander
Atif Dudaković
Course of the Operation
Operation Sword-1 was the first phase of a larger operation "Sword 95" planned by SVK commander General Mile Mrkšić. The goal was the capture of Cazin, which would cut the Bihać Pocket in half. By 23 July, the SVK and APZB had advanced to within 5 kilometers of the Ćoralići airfield and Cazin. Continuous attacks pushed the 5th Corps lines 2-3 km inside the pocket. Key positions at Pećka Brda, Liskovac and Krivaja were taken. General Dudaković later described this SVK offensive as his most difficult experience during the war. The second phase of the operation was never launched because the HV began Operation Storm in early August, forcing the SVK to withdraw.
Key Facts
Cazin was only 5 km from falling
Operation planned by SVK General Mile Mrkšić
Second phase stopped due to Operation Storm
Outcome
Cazin defended but under great pressure. Corps territory reduced. SVK withdrew due to Operation Storm.
Background
In July 1995, SVK commander General Mile Mrkšić planned a wider operation “Sword 95” (Mač) aimed at capturing Cazin and cutting the Bihać Pocket in half. Operation Sword-1 was its first phase.
Course of the operation
In Operation Sword-1, SVK and APZB forces advanced toward Cazin and the Ćoralići airfield. By 23 July, they were only 5 kilometers from Cazin. Key positions at Pećka Brda, Liskovac and Krivaja were taken, and the 5th Corps lines were pushed 2-3 km inside the pocket. General Dudaković later described this offensive as his hardest experience in the war.
Outcome
Cazin was defended but under enormous pressure. The corps territory was reduced. The second phase of the operation was never launched because the Croatian Army began Operation Storm in early August, forcing the SVK to withdraw.
Significance
Sword-1 showed how close Cazin was to falling - only 5 kilometers. Stopping this offensive was possible only thanks to Operation Storm, which forced the aggressor to retreat.
Sources
Data retrieved from 5korpus.com/operacije/mac-1/
Details
Entire 5th Corps
Defense of Cazin against the SVK and APZB offensive
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