The 34th anniversary of the 1992 breakthrough of the Corridor and the restoration of the territorial continuity of Republika Srpska was commemorated in Duga Njiva near Modriča.
According to data from the Republika Srpska Center for Research of War, War Crimes and Missing Persons, 877 members of the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS), 15 members of the Republika Srpska Ministry of Interior, and 17 members of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbian Krajina were killed during the operation.
The immediate trigger for this military action, regarded by participants and officials as the brightest and most humane wartime achievement of the VRS, was the death of 12 newborn babies at the Banja Luka maternity hospital due to a lack of oxygen supplies.
Officials Lay Wreaths and Pay Tribute to Heroes
The commemoration of this historic event of national significance was attended by officials of Republika Srpska. Following a Divine Liturgy, a memorial service for fallen soldiers, and the laying of wreaths and flowers, officials addressed those gathered.
Wreaths were laid by Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minić, SNSD leader Milorad Dodik, and ministers from the Republika Srpska government. Delegations from Serbia, veterans’ organizations, members of parliament, and other associations also paid their respects.
The ceremony was attended by ministers, Serb representatives in joint institutions, delegations from numerous municipalities and cities, representatives of the Third Infantry Regiment (Republika Srpska), and organizations stemming from the Homeland Defense War.
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Officials’ Messages: An Operation for the Survival of the Serbian People
In his address, the Prime Minister of Republika Srpska stated that the 1992 Corridor breakthrough was an operation essential for the survival of the Serbian people in the region.
“The goal was to survive, to ensure oxygen for our babies, and to preserve our existence as a people on this land,” Minić said.
Milorad Dodik argued that the section of highway from Doboj to Brčko should be named “January 9 – Corridor of Life,” saying that without the Corridor breakthrough, today’s transportation corridors would not exist.
“If Republika Srpska and the Serbian people do not strengthen their position, Republika Srpska will not survive. That is why today’s struggle for Republika Srpska is equal to the one we fought here when we liberated the Corridor,” Dodik said.
Modriča Mayor Jovica Radulović stressed that no soldier who gave his life for Republika Srpska should ever be forgotten.
The Largest Battle of the Army of Republika Srpska
One of the wartime commanders involved in the Corridor breakthrough, Pantelija Ćurguz, recalled what he described as the most important operation of the Army of Republika Srpska, calling it a magnificent victory that all Serbs can celebrate with pride.
“The glorious battle for the Corridor of Life was fought during the days of June 1992. It was the most humane, best organized, and largest battle of the Army of Republika Srpska. It was literally a matter of life and death, and we knew it,” Ćurguz said.
Nikola Vukelić, State Secretary in Serbia’s Ministry for Labor, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs, stated that Serbia and Republika Srpska are a guarantee that at least part of the historical injustices committed against the Serbian people will be corrected and that unity between them will continue to grow.
“The Road Is Open, Good Luck!”
“The road is open, good luck!” were the words spoken to the Serbian population in western Republika Srpska by Novica Simić, commander of Tactical Group One of the Army of Republika Srpska, after the corridor through Posavina had been opened.
In a brief statement at the time, then-Colonel Simić, later promoted to general, said that combined units of the First Krajina Corps had liberated the route and wished to congratulate all Serbs around the world on the occasion of Vidovdan.
“With this, the Corridor to Yugoslavia has been established. The road is open. Good luck!” Colonel Simić declared.
Operation “Corridor 92,” also known as the breakthrough of the Corridor of Life, was the largest military operation carried out by the Army of Republika Srpska during the war against the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) and the Croatian Army in the Posavina region. It is widely regarded in Republika Srpska as the army’s most significant victory and an exceptional military achievement. The objective of the operation was to establish a land connection between the western and eastern parts of Republika Srpska.
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Source: RTRS Foto: printscreen YouTube