Siege of Sarajevo

Quick Facts: Who was Siege of Sarajevo?

Subject:

Siege of Sarajevo

Known for:

A prolonged military blockade of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War (1992–1996).

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The siege of Sarajevo (Serbo-Croatian: Опсада Сарајева, Opsada Sarajeva) was a prolonged military blockade of Sarajevo, the capital of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, during the ethnically charged Bosnian War. The city was initially besieged by the Yugoslav People's Army, before they were replaced by elements of the newly-formed Army of Republika Srpska. Lasting from 5 April 1992 to 29 February 1996 (1,425 days), the siege was three times longer than the Battle of Stalingrad and more than a year longer than the siege of Leningrad, making it the longest siege of a capital city in the history of modern warfare. When Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence from Yugoslavia after the 1992 Bosnian independence referendum, the Bosnian Serbs—whose strategic goal was to create a new Bosnian Serb state of Republika Srpska (RS) that would include Bosniak-majority areas—encircled Sarajevo with an initial siege force of 13,000 stationed in the surrounding hills. From there they blockaded the city, and assaulted it with artillery, tanks, and small arms including snipers, dropping at least 500,000 bombs.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Civilians, including children, suffered significant casualties as they were caught in the crossfire during some of the conflict's most intense urban fighting, and were at times deliberately targeted by besieging forces. Units of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ARBiH) inside the capital, who numbered around 70,000 troops, defended much of the urban area throughout the war without heavy weapons or armor. Following numerous engagements, the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS) captured the suburbs of Ilidža, Azići, and Grbavica. The VRS however was unable to advance further into the city due to heavy resistance. Despite a number of attempts, the ARBiH was unable to break the siege and sustained heavy casualties.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Following the Markale massacres, NATO initiated Operation Deliberate Force in 1995, a sustained air campaign which targeted VRS positions across Bosnia, including around Sarajevo itself. The siege was eventually lifted following the signing of the Dayton Agreement on 14 December 1995. A total of 13,952 people were killed during the siege, including 5,434 civilians. The ARBiH sustained 6,137 fatalities, while Bosnian Serb military casualties numbered 2,241 killed soldiers. The 1991 census indicates that before the siege, the city and its surrounding areas had a total population of 525,980.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1991: 1991 Milestone — The 1991 census indicates that before the siege, the city and its surrounding areas had a total population of 525,980.
2. 1992: 1992 Milestone — Lasting from 5 April 1992 to 29 February 1996 (1,425 days), the siege was three times longer than the Battle of Stalingrad and more than a year longer than the siege of Leningrad, making it the longest siege of a capital city in the history of modern warfare.
3. 1995: 1995 Milestone — Following the Markale massacres, NATO initiated Operation Deliberate Force in 1995, a sustained air campaign which targeted VRS positions across Bosnia, including around Sarajevo itself.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Siege of Sarajevo

True or False: “The siege of Sarajevo was shorter than the Battle of Stalingrad.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The text states that the siege was three times longer than the Battle of Stalingrad.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• 21 Savage — Historical peer (Born in 1992) (1992): Atlanta-based rapper known for his distinctive style and career evolution.
• 6lack — Historical peer (Born in 1992) (1992): American R&B singer, songwriter, and rapper known professionally as 6lack.
• 6ix9ine — Historical peer (Born in 1996) (1996): American rapper known for aggressive style and controversial public persona.
• A'ja Wilson — Historical peer (Born in 1996) (1996): Elite American WNBA star known for multiple MVP awards and championship success.
• Adolf Butenandt — Historical peer (Died in 1995) (1995): Pioneering German biochemist known for sex hormones and pheromone discovery.
• Adolfo Pedernera — Historical peer (Died in 1995) (1995): Argentine football legend, nicknamed 'El Maestro,' pivotal in the 1940s.
• Abby Stein — Historical peer (Born in 1991) (1991): Israeli-American author, rabbi, and activist who speaks on faith and gender identity.
• Abhay Jodhpurkar — Historical peer (Born in 1991) (1991): Indian singer known for songs in multiple South Indian languages and Bollywood hits.

Frequently Asked Questions about Siege of Sarajevo