Dubrovnik Bombardment Remembered

Locals in the southern Dalmatian city of Dubrovnik have laid wreaths at cemeteries on Tuesday in memory of those who lost their lives when the city was attacked by Serbian aggressors on this day 22 years ago.

The Siege of Dubrovnik kicked off on 1 October 1991 when the Yugoslav Army (JNA) started their advance on the territory between the Pelješac and Prevlaka peninsulas on the coast of the Adriatic  Sea. The JNA attacks and bombardment of Dubrovnik, including the Old Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—culminated on 6 December 1991 with 417 troops and close to 100 civilians killed. The bombardment provoked a strong international condemnation of the JNA and became a public relations disaster for Serbia and Montenegro, contributing to their diplomatic and economic isolation and international recognition of the independence of Croatia. A mass service will be held in honour of the victims tonight in Dubrovnik. (pic: Pavo Urban)