Attack on Dubrovnik – October 1, 1991

On this day, October 1, 1991, Dubrovnik and southern Croatia came under attack by the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA), supported by naval and air forces, territorial units from Montenegro and Eastern Herzegovina, and volunteer paramilitary groups.

The attacking forces numbered nearly 30,000 soldiers, backed by 100 tanks, 50 armored personnel carriers, 120 artillery pieces, about 100 aircraft, and several warships. Against them stood only around 900 Croatian soldiers and police officers, under the command of Nojko Marinovićaković, who bravely defended the city.

Despite being heavily outnumbered, Croatian defenders resisted fiercely at Radovčići, Zvekovica, Brgat, Bosanka, and Strinčjera Fortress, holding some positions for over a month and a half. Dubrovnik, cut off from electricity and water, remained a symbol of Courage and resistance until the siege ended in May 1992.