Teočak and Priboj offensive explained

Conflict:Teočak and Priboj offensive
Partof:the Majevica front during the Bosnian War
Date:1st September - 19 September 1992
Place:Teočak, Priboj, Majevica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Result:Army of Republika Srpska victory
  • 50km² (31mi²) occupied by the ARBiH is re-captured
Combatant1: Republika Srpska
Combatant2: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Commander1: Branko Pantelić
Commander2: Hajrudin Mešić
Units1: Garda Panteri
Units2: Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Casualties1:16 killed
Casualties2:Unknown

The Teočak and Priboj offensive was an offensive during the Bosnian war from 1st - 19 September 1992. The offensive was launched by the ARBiH to connect Teočak with Bosnian government territory. The Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina would successfully achieve this goal, however a counteroffensive was launched by the Army of Republika Srpska, and most of the 50 kilometers captured by the ARBiH had been retaken.[1]

Background

Majevica mountain was a coveted prize in the Bosnian War, as it housed a crucial radio tower that enabled communication, television broadcasting, and telephone services. Control of the mountain would have significant implications for both sides, as it would allow them to disrupt the supply lines and military operations of their opponents. By holding part of the mountain, the Bosnian Serbs and Bosnians could threaten each other's territories in North-Western Bosnia, making it a strategic battleground in the war.[2]

Timeline

ARBiH offensive

On September 1, 1992, the battle for Majevička ulja 2 - West began. Captain Hajra's unit liberated and occupied enemy positions in Rožnje, Ravni Zavid, Skakovica, and Lipak.On September 3 and 4, 1992, key buildings in Obršine and Džemat were occupied by fighting forces. Commander Branko Pantelić, known as "Panther," was killed in action during this period.The battles that ensued were intense and protracted. Defenders of the territory fought to protect their lines and repel enemy attacks. The Teocak people played a crucial role in these battles.By September 19, 1992, all enemy attacks had been defeated and a territorial connection between Teočak, Goduš, Sapna, Kalesija, and Tuzla had been established.

Serbian Counteroffensive

The Serbs responded by launching a counteroffensive to recapture lands lost to the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, it was a success and most of the 50 kilometers taken by the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking an end to the offensive.[3]

Aftermath

Branko Pantelić, commander of the Serbian National Guard of SAO Semberija and Majevica was killed in action during this offensive, Ljubisa Savic took 1st command of the unit and renamed the unit to “Garda Panteri” in honor of Branko Pantelić.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Teočak, Rastošnica 04/09/1992 - Kapetan Hajrudin Mešić vs Branko Pantelić Panter . 2022-03-05 . PLBIH . 2024-06-11 . YouTube.
  2. Book: The Civil War in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992-1995) . 453.
  3. Web site: Priboj Majevički - Republika Srpska - Novosti iz Priboja . 2024-06-11 . www.priboj-majevica.com . de.
  4. Web site: Srpska . RTRS, Radio Тelevizija Republike Srpske, Radio Television of Republic of . ОБИЉЕЖЕНО 20 ГОДИНА ГАРДЕ "ПАНТЕРИ" . 2024-06-11 . РЕПУБЛИКА СРПСКА - РТРС.