Conflict (1992–1994) between the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia (supported by Croatia)
A sub-conflict of the Bosnian War between Bosniaks and Croats, ending with the Washington Agreement and the creation of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Key Facts
- Start date
- 18 October 1992
- End date (ceasefire)
- 23 February 1994
- Washington Agreement signed
- 18 March 1994
- ICTY convictions (Bosnian Croat)
- 17 officials convicted
- ICTY convictions (Bosniak)
- 2 officials convicted
- Primary conflict regions
- Central Bosnia and Herzegovina
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Initially allied against Serb forces, the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ARBiH) and the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) grew increasingly tense by late 1992. Croatia sought to annex or control Croat-majority areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina, leading to armed incidents in central Bosnia in October 1992 and the eventual collapse of the military alliance by early 1993.
The Croat–Bosniak War was fought from October 1992 to February 1994, primarily in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. The conflict consisted of sporadic fighting interspersed with short ceasefires. Bosniaks and Croats nonetheless remained allied in certain regions, including Bihać, Sarajevo, and Tešanj, making it an uneven rather than total war between the two groups.
A lasting ceasefire was agreed on 23 February 1994, followed by the Washington Agreement of 18 March 1994, which established the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The renewed Bosniak–Croat alliance resumed joint operations against Serb forces, helping to shift the military balance and contributing to the end of the broader Bosnian War. The ICTY later ruled the conflict international, given Croatia's direct involvement.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
2 belligerents