Operation Pećigrad '94

Operation Pećigrad 94 () was a military operation conducted by the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ARBiH) 5th Corps against the forces of the Autonomous Province of Western Bosnia (APZB) led by Fikret Abdić. The operation took place from 11 June to 4 August 1994 and was a decisive step in the Bosnian Government’s campaign to eliminate Abdic's separatist regime in northwest Bosnia.

Background In early June 1994, following a ceasefire with Bosnian Serb forces, the ARBiH 5th Corps redirected its full attention to Abdic's forces. On 11 June, APZB forces attacked government-held territory, making initial gains. By 13 June, the 5th Corps had counterattacked, capturing approximately 30 square kilometers and advancing toward Pećigrad, a key town on the route from Cazin to Abdic's stronghold of Velika Kladuša.

The Operation Pećigrad became the focus of intense fighting as both sides recognized its strategic importance. The APZB 4th Brigade, considered Abdic’s best formation, defended the town tenaciously. By 22 June, the 5th Corps had surrounded Pećigrad on three sides, trapping the defending forces. In a remarkable strategic deception known as "Tigar-Sloboda 94," Dudaković’s forces staged a mock mutiny, luring Abdic to supply weapons and reinforcements, which were then seized by the 5th Corps. This provided the government forces with critical additional arms and ammunition while weakening Abdic’s internal support.

By early August, the ARBiH concentrated fire on Pećigrad, and on 4 August, the town fell after the APZB 4th Brigade commander refused a surrender offer and was killed. Over 800 APZB defenders were captured, clearing the way for the 5th Corps to advance on Velika Kladuša.

Operation Pećigrad '94

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