August 5 is celebrated in Croatia as the Day of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving, commemorating Operation Oluja (Storm) from August 4 to 7, 1995, where Croatian forces recaptured the Krajina region. This operation marked a military turning point, impacting the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina by breaking the Serbian siege of Bihac. The conflict, part of the broader Yugoslav wars, led to a significant territorial shift in Bosnia. The wars officially ended only with the Kosovo War and the Dayton Peace Agreement.
Operation Oluja (Storm) commenced from August 4 to 7, 1995, during which Croatian forces successfully recaptured the Krajina region, previously seized by Serbs. The assault lasted only 85 hours, reclaiming a significant portion of Croatia’s territory. The aftermath saw changes in the Bosnian war dynamics, breaking the Serbian siege on Bihac and allowing Croatian and Bosnian forces to reclaim territory, leading to a reduction of Serbian-held territory from 70% to 49%.
Every year on August 5, Knin becomes the center of Croatia's political life, marking the Day of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving, and the Day of Croatian Defenders. This celebration remembers the military successes during Operation Storm, emphasizing national pride and remembrance.
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