Officials: The storm was also a turning point for the end of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Croatian delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina has declared that the military operation known as Operation Storm was not only a decisive victory in Croatia's Homeland War and the foundation of Croatian independence but also a turning point in the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, paving the way for the peace agreement signed in Dayton in November 1995. This statement came during commemorations held in Knin marking the Day of Victory and Homeland Gratitude, the Day of Croatian Defenders, and the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm. Dragan Čović, president of the Croatian National Assembly delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized that Operation Storm symbolized freedom, unity, and the strength of Croatian defenders, significantly altering the balance of power on battlefields within Bosnia and Herzegovina. He noted that this victory had profound significance for Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially for the Croatian community, which shared the struggle, sacrifice, and hope during the country’s darkest years. Ilija Cvitanović, leader of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) in 1990, highlighted that Operation Storm played a crucial role in establishing peace and creating conditions for ending the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He described Operation Storm not merely as a magnificent military victory but as a lasting symbol of bravery, solidarity, and unwavering determination among Croatian defenders. Cvitanović expressed special respect for the contributions of Croats from Bosnia and Herzegovina who fought alongside Croatian defenders, defending the Croatian nation and contributing to the creation of peace. Following Operation Storm, conditions were created for liberation operations conducted by the Croatian Army and the Croatian Defense Council in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In Operation Maestral, carried out in cooperation with the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, large areas of western Bosnia were liberated. Additionally, in the Southern Push operation, forces of the Croatian Army and the Croatian Defense Council advanced nearly to the city of Banja Luka. These military successes compelled the Serbian side in Bosnia and Herzegovina to engage in negotiations, opening the path to the Dayton Peace Agreement. Operation Storm, launched in August 1995, marked one of the largest and most rapid military offensives of the Bosnian War. It resulted in the capture of a vast territory previously controlled by Serb forces, including the cities of Knin, Vukovar, and Šibenik. The operation significantly weakened the Serb positions in eastern Slavonia and contributed to the eventual end of the conflict through the Dayton Accords, which established the current political structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The commemoration in Knin brought together Croatian political representatives, veterans, and local residents to honor the sacrifices made during the Homeland War and the broader conflict in the region. The event included speeches, wreath-laying ceremonies, and moments of reflection on the legacy of Operation Storm and its impact on both Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Participants emphasized the importance of remembering the past while working towards reconciliation and stability in the present. They acknowledged the complex historical context surrounding the war, noting that while Operation Storm was a pivotal moment, it also raised questions about the conduct of the conflict and its long-term consequences for the region. As the anniversary of Operation Storm continues to be observed, discussions around its legacy remain active among historians, politicians, and communities affected by the war. The event serves as a reminder of the enduring significance of peace and the need for continued efforts toward healing and unity in the Balkans.