Battle of Dubrovnik

Serbian forces on the outskirts of Dubrovnik

The Battle of Dubrvovnik was the largest battle of the Third Balkan War,After Serbia's offensive into Bosnia,they regrouped to strike Southern Croatia.The main city they wanted was the coastal city of Dubrovnik.Serbian forces arrived on the 14th of January and fought against Croatian defenders until the 5th of February.It is one of the most deadliest battles due to the amount of street fighting,artillery bombardment and war crimes against civilians.Serbian forces burned every building they saw as they knew they wouldn't get to Zagreb and wanted revenge for the destroyed Belgrade.Serbia occupied the city in February and continued to advance against Croatia.

## Background

The Third Balkan War was going in favour of the Serbs after their very succesful counteroffensive,in which they retook Belgrade and Bosnia.Southern Croatia and the port of Dubrovnik were high priority for Serbia.They began their march a couple days before the battle began with minimal resistance from Serbian defenders.

## First Days

On the 14th,Serbian artillery bombarded Dubrovnik,leaving the city in flames during the night.They had good positions and could bombard the Croatian defences and bunkers in the outskirts of the city,which they did.Serbian troops encircled Dubrovnik on each side,The defenders knew that they'd be under an assault soon,and quick construction of better defensive positions were prioritised.The city's walls, dating back centuries,were meant to serve as a crucial line of defense against the Serbian onslaught.

On the 16th,The Tank divison of Serbia arrives and begins to take out some Croatian bunkers with its shells.The East Side of the city is exposed now,and an attack could be present.The Serbian forces employ a combination of heavy artillery bombardment, ground assaults, and naval attacks to break through the city's defenses on the other sides.The sound of cannons echoes through the narrow streets as artillery shells rain down on the city walls.Croatian defenders opened fire on the Serbian tanks,knocking out several on the outskirts of the city.

## Street-to-Street fighting

On the 18th,Serbian forces enter the city from several sides.Street-to-street combat ensues as Serbian infantry forces push into the city.Croatian defenders, familiar with the narrow alleyways and advantageous defensive positions, utilized their knowledge of the terrain to mount a staunch defense.They employed sniper fire, machine guns, and improvised barricades to impede the Serbian advance, turning the streets into deadly battlegrounds.

## Prolonged Battle

The battle stretched on for 2 more weeks, characterized by relentless bombardment, urban warfare, and acts of resistance. Both sides endure heavy casualties, and the city suffers significant damage. The historic architecture and cultural landmarks bear the scars of the conflict, as centuries-old buildings crumble under the weight of artillery fire.

Despite the tenacity of the Serbian forces, the defenders of Dubrovnik refused to yield. Croatian reinforcements arrived on the 28th to bolster the city's defense, reinvigorating the morale of the defenders. International condemnation of the siege mounts, adding pressure on the Serbian forces to reconsider their tactics.

## Dubrovnik Falls

On the 5th of February,The Serbian army aims to completely destory the Croatian defence.The city is in flames as they commit several acts of terror to force the Croatian defenders to surrender,People were used as human shields and mass executions of ethnic Croatis ensued around the city.The Croatian liberators withdraw from the city and the defenders finally surrender.This was a massive victory for Serbia as they now occupied a major Croatian city

## Aftermath

The Battle of Dubrovnik stood as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Croatian defenders, who bravely fought to protect their city from Serbian aggression. The battle's aftermath leaves a lasting impact on the city and its inhabitants, as they face the arduous task of rebuilding and recovering from the devastation of war.They are halted by the Serbian garrison inside the city though.

Serbia advances North towards Zagreb until trench warfare ensues and a ceasefire is finally agreed in 1957.This battle was tough for both sides with thousands dying or getting injured.The city would not recover from the destruction until 1967,many historic buildings had to be rebuilt including the walls that the defenders used to hold out againt the Serbians.