Suradnik:Kubura/Pisak
Defense of Krk airport was preventive operation of Croatian forces in the early stages of Croatian War of Independence.
Croatian forces undertook this action in order to defend Rijeka Airport, one of important airports in that part of Croatia. It was estimated that Greater Serbianist forces 'll try to take that airport by landing.
This estimate wasn't unfounded nor unreal. Almost a year ago, on Croatia experienced rude breach of its sovereignty, when Greaterserbianist-led Yugoslav Air Force (JRV) intervened against Croatian police. That happened on October 17th, 1990, when Croatian MUP sent 3 helicopters with policemen towards Knin in order to suppress Greater Serbianist rebelion. Two JRV's MiG-21 intercepted them over Ogulin and threatened them that they'll shoot them down unless they change flight route and return to Lučko.
The Rijeka Airpot had strategic importance, since it was the bigger airport that was closest to Croatian troops that were deployed on the westernmost battlefield (Otočac, Gacka). Next closest airport was small Lošinj Airport, that was across the sea, on the island of Lošinj and the Airport in Pula, the city that at that time had very strong garrison of JNA and JRM.
Rijeka Airport had also psychologically significant. With that airport taken, Rijeka (3rd by size Croatian city) would had been cut off from the direct air connection with the world, city would had been partially encircled from the south, additionally disturbing the inhabitants. That would had especially disturb Croatian islanders, since they 've been weekly armed with weak military and non-military logistics, and the Rijeka Airport is actually located near town of Omišalj on the island of Krk, and the landing on Krk would had meant the beginning of Greater Serbian attacks and attempts to occupate Croatian islands.
On June 25th, 1991, Croatia and Slovenia declared independence.
Aktion[uredi | uredi kôd]
Two days later, June 27th, JNA attacked Slovenia. First arm conflicts started very same day.
Things were getting more clear and it was obvious that decisive actions must be taken. Since JNA has sided with rebel Serbs and on July 1st blocked the approaches to police station in Plitvice, making impossible the work of legal Croatian police, there was no doubt. Especially knowing the fact that the war in Slovenia hasn't ended yet.
Next day, July 2nd, Croatian 111. brigada ZNG did its first action. Part of then formed Krk Battalion of 111. Brigade took the positions around the Rijeka Airport on the island of Krk, establishing new strategical relations on that area.
Although 111. Brigade of ZNG was formed months before, that day, July 2nd 1991., is considedred as the day of foundation of this Croatian brigade.
Later events confirmed the assessments[uredi | uredi kôd]
The assessments of Croatian strategists were that Greater Serbianist-led JNA 'll engage in occupation of far west of Croatia, in the areas with no Serbs at all, including the Croatian islands. These assessments proved to be true. Later events have proved that these estimates weren't exaggerated nor unfounded at all.
August 6th 1991 JRM landed on the island of Šolta [1]. They've engaged 15 helicopters and 2 warships from Lora military navybase, surrounding Croatian police station in Grohote[2], blocking the Splitska vrata (sea passage between islands Brač and Šolta, that connects Split with open sea) with the ships. Mid-September 1991 JRM landed in Sv. Kajo, trying to return back the possession of fuel warehous in Sveti Kajo near Solin, in the Bay of Kaštela[1]. September 29th 1991, JRM landed in Privala on the island of Korčula, recaptured the casserne and took all undersea mines from the warehouse of underwater weapons from those barracks [1].
Sources[uredi | uredi kôd]
- (hrv.)Novi list Marinko Glavan: Zmajevi bez poraza na ratištu i bez mrlje na imenu - U borbu sa 40 mina, July 2, 2010.
- ↑ a b c (hrv.)Hrvatski vojnik Stjepan Bernadić: Prvi brod Hrvatske ratne mornarice, September 2006
- ↑ (hrv.)Slobodna Dalmacija U okružju pobune (prisjećanja Vladimira Šeksa), June 25, 2001