Escándalo: '¡Que cada uno de ustedes deje a su hijo, un trío serbio, para que se enreden en Knin!'

Croatia marked its national holiday of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, along with the 31st anniversary of the military operation known as Operation Storm, on Tuesday. The celebrations took place amid renewed political emphasis on the significance of the operation, which led to the liberation of large parts of Croatia during the Homeland War. Tomo Medved, deputy prime minister and defense minister, issued a message to all Croatian defenders, families of fallen soldiers, and patriots, highlighting the importance of the war's legacy. He emphasized that the victory in the Homeland War forms the foundation of Croatian statehood, with Operation Storm being the crowning achievement of all battles fought. Medved described Operation Storm not only as a military triumph but also as a symbol of unity, patriotism, and determination among Croatian forces, police, and citizens both within and abroad. He noted that since independence, Croatia has achieved key strategic and political goals and continues to build its future based on values derived from the Homeland War. In his message, Medved called upon citizens to remember the strength of solidarity and courage displayed in defending the homeland and expressed gratitude to all Croatian defenders who gave their lives for freedom and independence. “Thank you for everything, we are free people,” he stated. The commemoration coincided with statements from other high-ranking officials, including Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar, who reiterated the truth that Croats were defending their homes rather than attacking. Šušnjar warned those who distort this history to apologize to the victims of the Greater Serbia aggression. He stressed that Operation Storm not only saved Bosnia and Herzegovina but also enabled peace. Šušnjar urged those across the Drina River to stop avoiding the truth and instead offer genuine apologies to the victims of the five-year-long conflict in Knin. He suggested that the path forward involves direct confrontation with past actions rather than evading them through new rallies. His comments came after Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and informal Serbian leader in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Milorad Dodik, laid wreaths at the site of the retreat of a Serb column following Operation Storm, calling the rocket attacks by Croatian aircraft the worst cold-blooded crime against civilians for which no one was held accountable. Vučić later warned that such an incident would never happen again. Operation Storm, launched on August 4, 1995, lasted just 84 hours and resulted in the liberation of approximately 10,400 square kilometers of territory, or 18 percent of Croatia’s land area. This swift military action marked the end of the Homeland War, leading to the return of displaced persons and the eventual signing of the Dayton Agreement. The raising of the Croatian flag atop Knin Fortress became one of the most recognizable symbols of victory in the Homeland War and remains central to the celebration of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day. On Wednesday, numerous politicians gathered in Knin to commemorate the occasion, reflecting on the significance of Operation Storm as the greatest Croatian victory. Split Mayor Tomislav Šuta acknowledged the sacrifices made by Croatian defenders, emphasizing the need to build a unified Croatia where all citizens have equal rights and freedoms. Meanwhile, the commemorations were overshadowed by controversial remarks from Zvezdan Terzić, president of Crvena Zvezda football club, who posted a photograph of a column of Serbian refugees alongside a provocative message: “Everyone in trust should leave it to their son, let the Serbian tricolor fly in Knin.” This statement drew criticism given Terzić’s past associations with nationalist rhetoric and his previous comments suggesting that the Serbian league was superior to Croatia’s. Terzić had previously faced scrutiny over allegations of misuse of public office and illegal acquisition of funds related to player transfers while managing OFK Belgrade. His comments were particularly sensitive given the historical context surrounding Operation Storm and the ongoing tensions between Croatia and Serbia over the legacy of the war. As part of the official ceremonies, the Croatian army conducted aerial displays with Rafale fighter jets, and water was distributed to residents due to the heat. The raising of the Croatian flag on Knin Fortress continued to serve as a powerful symbol of the nation’s resilience and unity. Officials highlighted how Croatia has fulfilled many of the foreign policy goals set by its first president, Franjo Tuđman, including integration into the European Union and NATO. The country is now working toward membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), having met all required criteria. The day also served as a reminder of the importance of solidarity and love for the homeland, as emphasized by local leaders such as Koprivnica Mayor Mišel Jakšić, who called for continuous reflection on these values beyond the commemorative events. Defense Minister Ivan Anušić reaffirmed the strength of the Croatian military, noting its modernization efforts and commitment to national security. The celebrations concluded with a focus on honoring the bravery of Croatian defenders and the enduring legacy of Operation Storm in shaping the nation’s identity.