U HRVATSKOJ SVE GORI OD USTAŠLUKA I PRETNjI SRBIMA: Ispisane jezive poruke, gde je sad Picula? (FOTO/VIDEO)

In the small Serbian-majority village of Biljane Donje, near Zadar, tensions have reached a boiling point as provocative graffiti has appeared on public spaces, stirring fears of renewed ethnic conflict. The messages, which reference the infamous Ustasha regime and its association with the WWII Operation "Oluja," have sparked outrage among local residents and political representatives. These symbols, once associated with the persecution of Serbs during World War II, now appear alongside threats directed at the Serbian community, raising concerns about the resurgence of nationalist sentiments in Croatia.

The graffiti was discovered late last night, marking a disturbing return to historical grievances. The messages include the letter “U,” a symbol historically linked to the Ustasha movement, and references to the wartime atrocities committed against Serbs. In one instance, the word “Oluja” – meaning “Storm” in Croatian – appears alongside the Ustasha emblem, evoking memories of the brutal campaign conducted by the Ustasha forces during the Second World War. This operation, known internationally as Operation Storm, took place in 1995 and resulted in the displacement of thousands of Serbs from the region. The reappearance of such imagery has been interpreted by many as a deliberate attempt to revive old wounds and incite fear among the local Serbian population.

Local authorities have expressed alarm over the situation. The Serbian National Council (SNV), representing the interests of the Serbian minority in Croatia, has called for swift action from relevant institutions, urging them to investigate the incident thoroughly. According to their statement, they expect the police to take immediate steps to identify the perpetrators and remove the offensive graffiti. Additionally, they have requested that municipal services clean up the affected areas to prevent further provocation.

The location of these incidents is particularly sensitive. Biljane Donje, located within the administrative boundaries of Benkovac, is home to approximately 90% Serbian residents and 10% Croatians, according to the 2011 census. This demographic composition makes the area a focal point of interethnic relations, where historical tensions often resurface under political pressure. The presence of such graffiti suggests that there may be underlying frustrations or unresolved issues that some individuals or groups are attempting to address through symbolic means.

Meanwhile, other parts of Croatia have also seen similar expressions of discontent. In Zagreb’s Zaprešić district, a concert featuring the band Thompsons turned into a demonstration of nationalistic sentiment when attendees chanted “For our homeland, ready!” and a digital chessboard displayed the flag of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH), the puppet state established by the Ustasha regime during World War II. Such displays, though not directly linked to the Biljane Donje incident, reflect a broader trend of nostalgia for wartime-era symbols among certain segments of the population.

These developments come amid ongoing discussions about the role of historical memory in contemporary politics. While some argue that revisiting past conflicts can serve as a reminder of the importance of peace and reconciliation, others see it as a dangerous revival of divisive ideologies. As the situation unfolds, the international community will likely monitor how Croatian authorities respond to these acts of provocation, especially given the country's aspirations for closer ties with the European Union.

Looking ahead, the focus will remain on whether these incidents represent isolated acts of vandalism or part of a larger pattern of unrest. Local leaders, both Serbian and Croatian, will need to engage in dialogue to de-escalate tensions and ensure that historical sensitivities are respected while promoting mutual understanding. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this episode leads to greater unity or deeper division in the region.