Siege of Dubrovnik remembered 33 years on
- by croatiaweek
- in News
6 December 2024 – Today, Dubrovnik marks the 33rd anniversary of Remembrance Day, dedicated to honouring the soldiers who defended the city during the Homeland War.
Mayor Mato Franković, in his commemorative message, expressed both sorrow and pride for the brave sacrifice of those who fought to protect Dubrovnik on 6 December 1991.
The day is being observed with a range of events, including a requiem mass, to reflect on the resilience and sacrifices of the defenders.
Local war veterans particularly remember this date as it symbolises the heroic defence of Srdj Hill, which overlooks the city.
On that fateful day, the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA) launched a devastating assault on Dubrovnik, marking one of the most harrowing moments in the city’s history.
The Attack on Dubrovnik
December 6, 1991, is remembered as a dark day when Serbian and Montenegrin forces bombarded the historic town.
The medieval walled city endured relentless shelling, which killed 19 people, including both defenders and civilians, and left 60 others injured.
Thousands of shells damaged Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-protected heritage, destroying nine palaces and severely affecting 461 buildings.
The siege took a heavy toll on the city’s residents, who endured harsh conditions without electricity or water.
Villages surrounding Dubrovnik were looted and destroyed, forcing many inhabitants to flee. Elderly residents unable to escape were taken to detention camps in Morinj, Montenegro, or Bileca in Serb-controlled Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Human Cost
During the siege of Dubrovnik and its surrounding areas, 116 civilians and 430 Croatian soldiers lost their lives, with several hundred more injured. Approximately 443 Croats were detained in camps, while 33,000 people were displaced from their homes due to the attacks.
In his address, Mayor Franković paid heartfelt tribute to those who defended the city, describing their actions as a testament to love, courage, and determination. He honoured the memory of the fallen, acknowledging their invaluable contribution to Dubrovnik’s freedom and Croatia’s independence.
“We owe them an eternal debt of gratitude for the freedom we enjoy today in our beautiful city,” Franković stated. His message also extended thanks to the families of the defenders and those who suffered during the war.
As Dubrovnik remembers the sacrifices made in 1991, the events of that day remain a poignant reminder of the city’s resilience and the enduring spirit of its people.
