Battle of Kupres (1994)

The Battle of Kupres (1994) refers to a military engagement fought between the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS) and the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) in the Kupres region of Bosnia and Herzegovina in late October and early November 1994. The battle culminated in the VRS seizing control of Kupres and surrounding territory.

Prior to the battle, the area had been held by the HVO, who had captured it from the VRS in April 1992 during the initial stages of the Bosnian War. The VRS offensive in late 1994, known as Operation Vaganj (Operation Anvil), was aimed at regaining control of the strategically important Kupres plateau.

The VRS forces significantly outnumbered and outgunned the HVO defenders. They employed heavy artillery and tank support to overcome HVO resistance. While the HVO put up a determined defense, they were ultimately unable to withstand the sustained VRS assault. The VRS also benefited from reinforcements and support from forces within the Republika Srpska.

The fall of Kupres represented a strategic setback for the HVO and the Bosnian Croat forces. It provided the VRS with a significant logistical advantage and strengthened their position in the region. The battle also resulted in casualties on both sides, and displacement of the civilian population. The area remained under VRS control until it was retaken by Croatian forces (HV and HVO) during Operation Winter '94 in late November and December 1994. The Battle of Kupres (1994) is considered an important, albeit often overlooked, event in the broader context of the Bosnian War.