Operation Mistral
Historical Overview
Operation Mistral 2, officially codenamed Operation Maestral 2, was a Croatian Army (HV) and Croatian Defence Council (HVO) offensive in western Bosnia and Herzegovina on 8–15 September 1995 as part of the Bosnian War. Its objective was to create a security buffer between Croatia and positions held by the Bosnian Serb Army of Republika Srpska (VRS). The operation also spearheaded a Herzeg-Croat led move to compromise the occupation of the largest Bosnian Serb-held city, Banja Luka, by capturing the towns of Jajce, Šipovo and Drvar. Thus jeopardizing the operations capacity of Banja Luka and ultimately leading to its recapture. The combined HV and HVO forces were under the overall command of HV Major General Ante Gotovina.
Quick Facts
Croats / Bosniaks
- Commander: Ante Gotovina
- Strength: 20000
- Casualties: 100
Rep. Srpska
- Commander: Ratko Mladić
- Strength: 15000
- Casualties: 500
Strategic Context
Weakening the Bosnian Serb position.
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Historical Locations
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