Operation Eagle's Resurgence

Serbian forces near Doboj

The Serbian Counteroffensive into Bosnia was a military campaign that took place from February 1954 to April 1954 during the Third Balkan War. In response to the Croatian offensive, Serbian forces launched a counteroffensive in an attempt to regain lost territories in Bosnia. The Serbian counteroffensive aimed to reverse the Croatian gains and reestablish control over strategic positions.

## Background

After the declaration of independence by Croatia and the subsequent occupation of Slovenia and North Macedonia, tensions between Croatia and Serbia escalated. The Croatian forces, led by President Josip Broz Tito, made significant territorial gains and established control over key regions, including parts of Bosnia. The Serbian leadership, under President Slobodan Milošević, saw the need to regain control and launched a counteroffensive in Bosnia.

## Prelude

The Serbian counteroffensive began with meticulous planning and preparations. General Milos Radic was appointed to lead the Serbian forces, and they assembled a sizable army with a mix of seasoned troops and fresh recruits. The offensive was launched on February 25, 1954, with the aim of pushing the Croatian forces back and regaining control over strategic positions.

## Doboj Defended

The first major engagement of the Serbian counteroffensive was the Battle of Doboj. Serbian forces launched a concentrated assault on Croatian-held positions, focusing on key road junctions and communication centers. The battle, which commenced on February 15, 1954, witnessed intense fighting as both sides fought for dominance. Despite initial gains by the Serbian forces, determined Croatian resistance and a series of tactical maneuvers forced the Serbs into a defensive retreat by March 5th,1954.

## Failure At Zenica

Following their defeat at Doboj, the Serbian forces regrouped and launched another major offensive, known as the Battle of Zenica. Serbian units targeted the city of Zenica, a crucial logistical and industrial center in Bosnia. The battle, which lasted from March 4th, 1954, to March 15th, 1954, was characterized by intense urban warfare. Both sides engaged in street-to-street combat, utilizing various tactics and firepower. However, the Croatians, well-fortified and employing effective defensive strategies, managed to repel the Serbian onslaught. The battle concluded with a resounding Croatian victory, further weakening the Serbian counteroffensive.

## Bijeljina Seals End Of Offensive

Undeterred by their previous setbacks, the Serbian forces made a final push in the Battle of Bijeljina. The objective was to regain control of the city and surrounding areas. The battle, which took place from March 17 to April 18, 1954, witnessed intense fighting as both sides fought fiercely for dominance. The Croatians, determined to hold their ground, employed superior firepower and strategic maneuvering to repel the Serbian forces. The battle concluded with a resounding Croatian victory, inflicting heavy losses on the Serbian side and solidifying Croatian control over the region.

## Aftermath

The failed Serbian counteroffensive in Bosnia marked a turning point in the conflict. The Croatians successfully defended their positions, inflicting heavy losses on the Serbian forces and maintaining their territorial gains. The series of defeats dealt a significant blow to Serbian morale and strategic ambitions, further tilting the balance of power in favor of Croatia. The outcome of the counteroffensive solidified Croatian control over key regions in Bosnia, contributing to the eventual resolution of the Third Balkan War.