Marko Barišić: Croatia marked the 30th anniversary of Operation Bljesak (Flash) on 1 May 2024. This commemorated the 1995 military-police campaign that liberated western Slavonia in 32 hours. Led by President Zoran Milanović, officials paid tribute to 51 fallen soldiers in Okučani. Franco-Croatian Rafale drills underscored Europe’s push for strategic autonomy. Veterans Minister Tomo Medved hailed the operation’s enduring legacy, warning against renewed threats to regional stability.
A large crowd gathered in Okučani on Thursday, 1 May, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the military-police operation Bljesak (Flash). In 1995, this operation liberated western Slavonia—approximately 500 square kilometres of occupied territory—in just 32 hours. It was a pivotal moment for Croatia.
Ceremonial tributes and remembrance
The celebration began, as tradition dictates, with a brass band procession through the town streets. Veterans, families of those lost in the operation, and the nation’s highest officials attended.
President Zoran Milanović, Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković first laid wreaths at the Crystal Cube of Serenity monument. This honored the 51 Croatian soldiers who died in the operation. A rose was placed for each fallen soldier, followed by a reading of their names. Upon arrival, Milanović and Plenković shook hands, eliciting spontaneous applause from the crowd.
A memorial Mass was later held at St. Vida Church. Croatian army personnel conducted dynamic demonstrations, captivating younger attendees. A communal military lunch and evening concert rounded out the day.
‘Bljesak’: a prelude to Operation ‘Oluja’ and the collapse of ‘Greater Serbia’
Bljesak served as a precursor—a dress rehearsal—for the monumental Oluja (Storm) three months later. This operation dismantled the Serbian para-state of the so-called Krajina from Croatian territory. These operations, alongside subsequent actions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, consigned the “greater Serbia” project to history.
Speaking in Okučani the day prior, Veterans’ Minister Tomo Medved warned that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has ushered in new challenges. He noted current attempts to revive the “greater Serbia” agenda. “We will not allow this,” he declared, thanking Bljesak participants. “Your courage, patriotism, and resolve from Bljesak remain vital today—these are days of pride and glory.” He assured fallen soldiers’ families they would “never be forgotten.”
Military flyovers and Franco-Croatian drills
During the commemoration, Croatian Rafale jets soared over western Slavonia—from Novska to Nova Gradiška, Pakrac, Požega, and Virovitica. They were met with enthusiastic cheers.
A day earlier, French air forces conducted joint exercises with Croatian counterparts. This aimed to bolster “allied interoperability” and reinforce security on NATO’s eastern flank. For the first time, Croatian Rafale jets successfully performed mid-air refuelling with a French tanker aircraft.
Croatian Air Force Commander Željko Ninić praised the drills as a testament to the “high skill and readiness” of Croatian pilots. He expressed pride in showcasing “shared preparedness and interoperability” just days after achieving full combat squadron capacity.
Strategic autonomy and European security
These exercises aim to “strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy.” This is a response to shifting US priorities under its new administration, which has signalled reduced security commitments to the continent.
As Croatia honours Bljesak, it celebrates its heroes while reaffirming its readiness to defend sovereignty. “Never forget you are guardians of freedom,” soldiers in Okučani were reminded. The message resonates clearly: vigilance endures.