The two-phase siege of Mostar caused mass displacement, heavy civilian casualties, and the destruction of the historic Stari Most bridge during the Bosnian War.
Key Facts
- First siege duration
- April 1992 – June 1992
- Second siege duration
- June 1993 – April 1994
- Residents displaced (1st siege)
- ~90,000 people
- Mosques damaged/destroyed (2nd siege)
- 10 mosques
- Notable destruction
- Stari Most (Old Bridge) blown up
- Conflict ended by
- Washington Agreement, March 1994
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following Bosnia and Herzegovina's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia, the Serb-dominated Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) moved against the city. Later, as the broader Bosnian War evolved, the political alliance between Bosnian Croats and Bosniaks collapsed, giving rise to the Croat–Bosniak War and turning former allies into adversaries.
The siege unfolded in two phases: first, HVO and ARBiH forces jointly repelled the JNA from April to June 1992 via Operation Jackal; then, from June 1993 to April 1994, the HVO besieged Bosniak-held East Mostar, cutting off humanitarian aid, killing numerous civilians, and destroying ten mosques along with the historic Stari Most bridge.
The first siege displaced approximately 90,000 residents and damaged numerous cultural and religious sites. The second siege caused severe civilian suffering and the loss of the medieval Stari Most bridge. Hostilities finally ended with the Washington Agreement in March 1994, which established the Croat–Bosniak federation.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
3 belligerents
Side B
2 belligerents