The Prolonged Siege of Sarajevo: Impact and Aftermath
The Siege of Sarajevo lasted from April 1992 to February 1996, becoming the longest siege of a capital in modern history, resulting in over 14,000 deaths. This brutal blockade was marked by relentless bombardment and sniper attacks, which devastated the city and its residents, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis and setting the stage for international intervention.
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Beginning on April 5, 1992, the Siege of Sarajevo lasted 1,425 days, ultimately claiming at least 14,000 lives, including over 5,400 civilians. The Bosnian Serb army, with a force of 13,000, encircled the city, employing a strategy of bombardment and sniping rather than direct assault due to manpower limitations.
The conflict was fueled by the nationalist ambitions of Bosnian Serbs following Bosnia and Herzegovina's declaration of independence. The construction of the Sarajevo Tunnel in 1993 provided a critical supply line, yet the death toll continued to rise amid dire living conditions.
NATO's Operation Deliberate Force in August 1995 marked a turning point, leading to peace negotiations and the eventual end of the siege by February 1996. The aftermath saw extensive physical and psychological scars on the population, with ongoing investigations into war crimes committed during the conflict.
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