Operation “Munja 93” (Lightning 93), 11 January 1993

The special unit PDV "Hamza" of the 105th Bužim brigade before the operation

Operation Munja 93 was preceded by several days of reconnaissance across the wider frontline of the Banja sector. The offensive was planned and led by Brigadier General Izet Nanić, commander of the 105th Bužim Muslim Shock Brigade.

A total of 360 fighters from the 105th Brigade were organized into six assault groups. During the night of 10–11 January, and in the early morning hours, all units moved into their designated positions in preparation for the attack.

The main assault began at 06:00, when soldiers of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ARBiH) launched a coordinated strike against fortified VRS positions held by a reinforced battalion of the 1st Novigrad Brigade. The attack was focused on the Banjani sector.

• The 3rd battle group advanced toward Nikolić Glavica

• The 4th targeted Adamović Glavica

• The 5th attacked the Banjani area and the Landupi position

• The 6th group struck Kedić Glavica

Original tactical map of the operation

Thanks to thorough reconnaissance, ARBiH forces had identified both the exact unit defending the sector and the precise locations of enemy bunkers.

Lieutenant Izet Nanić, commander of the 105th brigade

Simultaneously, special units from the 105th Brigade — the PDV “Hamza” and IDV “Gazije”, reinforced by elements of the 511th Brigade from Bosanska Krupa — were inserted behind VRS lines. Operating south of Kukuljica and toward the village of Bulećani, their mission was to block the movement of VRS reserves and prevent any organized withdrawal.

The element of surprise was fully achieved. All assault groups struck their targets simultaneously, and with special units cutting off the rear, the VRS battalion was effectively encircled.

Intense fighting unfolded around the Banjani school, Kedić Glavica, Lovrić, and the village of Bulećani. After several hours of heavy combat, the 105th Brigade succeeded in breaking through enemy lines.

Historical reenactor, Reenactment group "Balkan Storm"

Approximately 150 VRS soldiers were killed during the operation. Bosnian forces also captured significant quantities of weapons and equipment, including:

• one ZiS 76 mm field gun

• one 20/3 AA gun (PAT)

• one 20/1 AA gun (PAT)

• two 120 mm mortars

• seven 60 mm mortars

• three recoilless rifles (BST)

• around 170 automatic and semi-automatic rifles

• large quantities of grenades and ammunition

Four VRS soldiers were taken prisoner.

VRS special forces launched counterattacks throughout the remainder of January. However, thanks to the newly secured positions, the Bužim Brigade managed to hold the line.

During Operation Munja 93, the 105th Brigade suffered 17 killed and 38 wounded. Among the wounded was the well-known battalion commander Hasan Musić, known as “Musa”, who later died of his injuries on 3 February 1993 at the Bihać Medical Center.

Based on a wartime report by Agan Skenderović, published in “Zlatni Lilijani” (January 1993).