(HISTORICAL NOTE) The war for the defense of a democratic and sovereign Slovenia Part 2

On June 26 and 27, 1991, the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) launched military operations against Slovenia, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s struggle for independence. The attack began with coordinated movements of JNA units stationed under the 5th Military District in Zagreb, including the 13th Corps based in Rijeka, the 14th Corps in Ljubljana, the 31st Corps in Maribor, the 32nd Corps in Varaždin, the 10th Corps in Zagreb, and the 5th Air Force and Anti-Aircraft Corps also headquartered in Zagreb. These forces initiated actions aimed at enforcing federal laws on the territory of the newly declared independent Republic of Slovenia. The operation was executed relatively swiftly and without major complications, though it did not come as a complete surprise. Expectations had been building for such a move following Slovenia’s declaration of sovereignty and independence. Defensive preparations by Slovenian forces were already underway, allowing them to respond effectively and without being overwhelmed. On June 26, the Federal Executive Council issued a decision authorizing the immediate enforcement of federal regulations regarding the crossing of state borders within Slovenia. This decision included provisions for using force if resistance was encountered. As a result, JNA and federal troops began moving units toward new Slovenian borders. The first shots of the conflict were fired near Divača, while the Federal Aviation Authority closed all Slovenian airports. Aircraft from the Yugoslav Air Force conducted flyovers over Ljubljana’s celebration site, demonstrating strength and issuing warnings to the new nation. Meanwhile, Slovenian defense forces established border controls along the southern frontier, removed Yugoslav signs, placed Slovenian markers at checkpoints, erected barriers in potential paths of JNA advance, intensified mobilization efforts of the Territorial Defense, and received orders not to be the first to open fire. In the hours and days following the establishment of Slovenia’s independence, the anticipated formal attack by Yugoslav authorities commenced. The Federal Executive Council made its decision early on June 26, authorizing the direct implementation of federal regulations concerning the passage of state borders on Slovenian territory. In cases of resistance, the decision specified that the federal army and JNA must enforce this order through force. Consequently, JNA and federal troops began relocating units toward the new Slovenian borders. The initial gunfire of the war echoed near Divača, while the Federal Aviation Administration shut down all Slovenian airports. Aircraft from the Yugoslav Air Force performed flybys over Ljubljana’s celebration site, showcasing power and issuing threats to the new state. At the same time, Slovenian defense forces set up border controls along the southern border, removed Yugoslav signs, placed Slovenian markers at checkpoints, erected barriers in potential directions of JNA advances, intensified mobilization of the Territorial Defense, and received instructions not to be the first to open fire. On June 27, a widespread, planned, coordinated, and uniformly directed attack by the JNA against Slovenia began. The first clash between the Territorial Defense and the JNA occurred at the village of Poganci, located between Metlika and Nova Gorica. The Presidency of the Republic of Slovenia assessed the JNA’s intervention as a direct violent incursion and an attempt at permanent occupation of Slovenia during a session held at 6 a.m. It decided to implement preparatory measures to hinder the advance of JNA units and block their infrastructure facilities, as well as to defend objects and communications. President of the Slovenian Presidency Milan Kučan announced these decisions at 11 a.m., emphasizing the need for readiness and resilience in the face of aggression. The situation continued to escalate rapidly, with both sides preparing for prolonged conflict and increased hostilities.