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Dubrovnik Marks Defender's Day and the 33rd Anniversary of the City’s Worst Attack in the Homeland War Peter Northall/AFP

Dubrovnik Marks Defender's Day and the 33rd Anniversary of the City’s Worst Attack in the Homeland War

Written by  Dec 06, 2024

Today, Dubrovnik commemorates Defender's Day and the 33rd anniversary of the most devastating attack on the city during the Homeland War. The attack by Yugoslav and Montenegrin aggressor forces began in the early hours of December 6, 1991. From dawn, the city was bombarded from land and sea, resulting in the deaths of 19 civilians and four defenders, with dozens more injured. Thousands of projectiles rained down on Dubrovnik, including its historic old town. Over 460 buildings were damaged during the onslaught.

During the aggression on Dubrovnik and its surroundings, more than 300 defenders and civilians lost their lives, while over 30,000 people were forced to flee their homes. The material damage was immeasurable.

The fiercest attacks targeted the Imperial Fortress on Srđ Hill, the old city center, and areas such as Sustjepan, Nuncijata, and the Belvedere Hotel. Starting around 6 a.m., the assault on all defensive lines lasted throughout the day. At one point, a small group of defenders stationed at the Imperial Fortress, under heavy attack from the numerically superior and better-armed enemy, requested defensive fire to be directed at the fortress itself. This was the only way to halt the advancing enemy forces, which had reached the fortress walls.

On that fateful day, December 6, 1991, a total of 163 defenders held the front lines and successfully protected Dubrovnik. This number later became the designation of Dubrovnik's 163rd Brigade of the Croatian Army.

 

The Voice of Dubrovnik

THE VOICE OF DUBROVNIK


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