| Unit Name: | 7th Corps |
| Dates: | 07. April 1994 – 1995 |
| Country: | Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Garrison: | Travnik |
| Branch: | Army |
| Type: | Army Corps |
| Role: | Land warfare |
| Size: | 23,997 personnel[1] |
| Command Structure: | Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Nickname: | Angry |
| Battles: | |
| Anniversaries: | April 7th |
| Notable Commanders: | Mehmed Alagić |
The 7th Corps, was an army corps of the Army of Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina active during the violent breakup of Yugoslavia and subsequent Bosnian War. It was one of six army corps, the 6th Corps was disbanded on February 26, 1994 and the 8th Corps was never formed.[2]
It was formed in the later stages of Bosnian War with primary goal to unite all military elements from Bosnian Krajina in Central Bosnia . Its military base and headquarters were in Travnik.
The idea for the formation of the 7th Corps arose not only from a military need, but also from a political desire to unite the Krajina military element in Central Bosnia in a separate corps whose focus of action would be towards the Bosnian Krajina .[3] One of the key moments for the formation of 7th Corps took place, on August 21, 1993, in Zenica, during a briefing held between the members of the Supreme Command and the commanders of the Corps; where it was decided to begin with preparations for the formation of the 7th Corps.
The Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its Decision No. 02-111-19/94, dated January 11, 1994, regulated the formation of the 7th Corps. The Headquarters of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina initiated activities on the formation of the 7th Corps.[4] However, combat operations with two enemies in the operational zone of the 3rd Corps (future operational zone of the 7th Corps) would halt the formation until the cessation of hostilities between the Croatian Defence Council and Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the signing of the Washington Agreement.
The decision on the formation of the 7th Corps was made by the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina on February 26, 1994;[5] and Brigadier General Mehmed Alagić was appointed as the commander.[6] The Corps temporary wartime formation number was T-412.191, assigned name was T-30009 and the military unit number was VJ 5029.
On the April 7, 1994 first official operational report was sent from the Command of the 7th Corps to the Headquarters of the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is celebrated as the official day the 7th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina was formed.[7]
Following the signings of the Washington Agreement[8] on March 18, 1994 which led to the creation of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Dayton Agreement[9] on December 14, 1995 the 7th Corps as part of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina along with HVO was integrated into newly formed Army of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.[10]
After the establishment of peace, Bosnia and Herzegovina had three (Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatian Defence Council and Army of Republika Srpska) completely separate armies, which until then were in conflict with each other. Today, after the defense reform of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina are united under a single chain of command and subordinated to civilian authorities, with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina as the supreme commander.[11]
The main task of the 7th Corps was to carry out combat operations towards the northwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the direction of Bosanska Krajina.
The fronline in the operational zone towards the Army of Republika Srpska was about 140 kilometers, and included the Vlasić and Komar-Vrbas tactical directions and the Kupres tactical direction. In addition the 7th Corps was also engaged towards the Croatian Defence Council. The length of the front line in the operational zone towards the Croatian Defence Council was about 120 kilometers, and included the Lašva and Upper Vakuf directions.
Operational zone of the 7th Corps included the following municipalities: Banja Luka, Bosanska Gradiška, Bosansko Grahovo, Bugojno, Čelinac, Donji Vakuf, Gornji Vakuf, Glamoč, Jajce, Kotor Varoš, Kupres, Laktasi, Livno, Mrkonjić Grad, Novi Travnik, Travnik, Vitez, Skender-Vakuf and i Šipovo.[4]
As of February 1995, there were 23,997 permanent personnel in the 7th Corps out of an established strength of 229,823 in total for the whole Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The breakdown of personnel is as follows: Commissioned officers - 1,263, non-commissioned officers - 1,267 and soldiers - 21,467.
The Brigadier General is the highest-ranking officer of the Corps appointed by the Presidency. Due to the constraints placed by the war, the primary role was to organize units and create functioning command structure in the zone of operation. The first and only commander of the 7th Corps was Mehmed Alagić. In 1997, General Mehmed Alagić was awarded with the Order of the Golden Coat of Arms with Swords .[12]
A deputy commander is the second-in-command to a commander, acts on the Commander's behalf when required and performs other duties as directed by the Commander. The Deputy Commander of the 7th Corps was Fikret Ćuskić. General Fikret Ćuskić is recipient of the Order of the Golden Lily .
The organization and development of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the war was carried out according to the models from the Yugoslav concepts of national defense; in the conditions when most of the territory was occupied, in the conditions of an armed struggle against two enemies, Army of Republika Srpska supported by Serbia[13] [14] [15] and Croatian Defence Council supported by Croatia,[16] [17] [18] [19] [20] this type of model imposed itself as an inevitable and only possible territorial defense concept.[21]
Despite such difficult and complex reality, the command made efforts to form units that would have a maneuver character and capability. The backbone of the maneuver units would be formed primarily from the exiled population from the occupied territories, for example the 17th Krajina Brigade, 305th Jajace Brigade, later 27th Mountain Brigade.
In terms of weaponry, the 7th Corps was a distinctly infantry unit. There were 7 tanks in the Corps. 73 large-caliber artillery pieces, 459 pieces of 82mm and 60mm mortars and over 12,000 infantry firearms.[22]
The 7th Corps was formed from the combat elements of the 3rd Corps, primarily from units of OG "Bosanska Krajina" and OG"Zapad".
The following brigades from the Operational Zone ‘’Bosanska krajina’’ became part of the 7th Corps:
The 17th Brigade was formed on 19 November 1992 out of two existing units: the 1st and 7th Brigades from Krajina. Its headquarters were in Travnik in the former JNA Barracks. Initially it consisted of two battalions primarily of volunteers and refugees from Krajina and with the arrival of more soldiers the 3rd and 4th battalions were created. Fourth battalion was created from the soldiers of the 84th brigade and the elements of the 1st Kotorvaroš Battalion of HVO.[23] It was a “manoeuvre” brigade within the 3rd Corps and took part in actions all over the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. From November 1992 to April 1993, it had 900 men.
On the first anniversary of the formation of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, by the Decree of the President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Alija Izetbegović, dated April 14, 1993 for overall contribution made to the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the exceptional combat successes they continuously achieve and the courage, determination and dedication of their members shown in the performance of all combat and other tasks, as well as the care and protection of citizens the Brigade received the honorary title Glorious .,[24] and in 1995 the honorary title Knight's .[25]
Amir Žilić, commander of the 2nd Battalion, was posthumously awarded with the Order of the Golden Coat of Arms with Swords in 1994 as well as the Order of the Golden Liliy in 1993. He was killed in action on January 6, 1993. Crkvice - Visoko.
The 705th brigade was formed on December 1, 1992 in Bugojno. Upon formation, the brigade is stationed in the areas of the municipalities of Bugojno and Gornji Vakuf.[26] It consisted primarily of volunteers and refugees from Jajce and consisted of three battalions.[27]
By the Decree of the President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Alija Izetbegović, dated January 18, 1995 for overall contribution made to the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the exceptional combat successes they continuously achieve and the courage, determination and dedication of their members shown in the performance of all combat and other tasks, as well as the care and protection of citizens the 305th along with 307th Brigade received the honorary title Glorious .
The 306th Brigade was formed on December 20, 1992, and consisted of four battalions, a military police platoon and several other units. In March 1993, the brigade had 1,974 soldiers. The brigade's headquarters were three kilometres from Han Bila, in the mine administration building in Rudnik. The 1st Battalion was based in the elementary school in Mehurići. The 2nd Battalion was stationed in Krpeljići. The 3rd Battalion was deployed in the elementary school in Han Bila. The 4th Battalion was in the village of Višnjevo.[28]
From November 1992 until March 1993, the 306th Brigade was subordinated to the 3rd Corps. In March 1993, when operations groups were created, the 306th Brigade was subordinated to OG Zapad. Then, since the zone of responsibility of the 306th Brigade was too broad, it was subordinated to OG Bosanska Krajina in early June 1993.
Around 3200 soldiers have served in the brigade, 136 soldiers gave their lives, while 450 of them were wounded. 11 soldiers were awarded with "Golden Liliy" and one with "Silver Shield" .[29]
The brigade was formed on December 17, 1992, in NoviTravnik. The brigade includes the 1st, 2nd and 3rd mountain battalions of the Municipal Defense Headquarters Novi Travnik.[30]
After the end of the hostilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a subsequent evaluation of their overall contribution to the armed struggle or as an evaluation of the contribution in the last phase of the war, by the Decree of the President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Alija Izetbegović, the 708th Mountain Brigade received the honorary title Glorious .[31]
The brigade was formed on November 25, 1992, as 312th Motorized Brigade, which was later renamed and organized as a Mountain Brigade. The brigade was formed from the First and Second Travnik detachments, the Vlašić detachment (former Mudrič company), the Turbet detachment, the Gradina detachment and the Karaula detachment .[34] After the end of the hostilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a subsequent evaluation of their overall contribution to the armed struggle or as an evaluation of the contribution in the last phase of the war, by the Decree of the President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Alija Izetbegović, the 712th Mountain Brigade received the honorary title Glorious .[35]
Over 6500 soldiers have served in the brigade 282 soldiers gave their lives, 9 soldiers were awarded with the Order of the Golden Liliy (Bosnian: Zlatni ljiljan). Major Mihajlo Petrović, commander of the Mudrič Company and the Vlašić Detachment, was posthumously awarded with the Order of the Golden Coat of Arms with Swords in 1994 as well as the Order of the Golden Liliy in 1992.[36]
The brigade was formed on December 1, 1992 in the municipality of Vitez, in the town of Kruščica. The units of 7 regional headquarters and two volunteer detachments, which existed since May 21, 1992, became part of the brigade.[38] In the beginning, it had two battalions and a platoon of the Military Police, with a total of 800 soldiers.[39]
The brigade was formed in August 15, 1993, from the units of the 27th motorized brigade, 1st battalion 306th mountain brigade and 4th battalion 314th motorized brigade. The brigade included soldiers from 33 municipalities of Bosnia and Herzegovina.[40]
On January 18, 1995 by the Decree of the President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Alija Izetbegović, for overall contribution made to the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the exceptional combat successes they continuously achieve and the courage, determination and dedication of their members shown in the performance of all combat and other tasks, as well as the care and protection of citizens the 307th along with 305th Brigade received the honorary title Glorious .
The brigade was formed on February 15, 1994 in Travnik. It was formed from the units of the 1st battalion of the 7th Muslim Brigade.[42]
The following brigades from the Operational Zone ‘’Zapad’’ became part of the 7th Corps:
As a result of the restructuring of the 307th Motorized Brigade and units of the Municipal Headquarters of the Bugojno defense, on October 21, 1993, the 307th Mountain Brigade was created.[43] It was based in Bugojno and consisted of four battalions, military police unit and anti-sabotage units. As of March 08, 1993, the 307th Brigade was subordinated to the Operational Zone ‘’Zapad’’.[44] The brigade consisted of a total of 1,667 soldiers.[45] On November 03, 1994 part of 707th Mountain Brigade was the first to enter the center of Kupres.[46] On January 18, 1995 by the Decree of the President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Alija Izetbegović, for overall contribution made to the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the exceptional combat successes they continuously achieve and the courage, determination and dedication of their members shown in the performance of all combat and other tasks, as well as the care and protection of citizens the 307th along with 305th Brigade received the honorary title Glorious .
The brigade was created on November 11, 1992 from the units of Territorial Defence (“TO”) in Gornji Vakuf, which comprised four battalions.[47]
1st Battalion was formed local communities of Gornji Vakuf I and II, Uzričje, Duša, Paloč, Odvode, Batuša, Vrse and Ždrimci. The battalion headquarters was located in the ball bearing factory. Commander of the battalion was Edin Šero.
2nd Battalion was formed from local communities of Voljevac and Boljkovac and battalion headquarters was located in Voljevac school building. Commander of the battalion was Bedrudin Milanović (Killed in action August 8, 1993. Crni Vrh - Gornji Vakuf)[48] Posthumously awarded the Order of the Golden Lily .
3rd Battalion from local communities of Drazev dolac, Duradbegov dolac and Voljice, battalion headquarters was in the primary school building in Voljice. Commander of the battalion was Mehmed Redžebašić.
4th Battalion local communities of Grnica, Bojska, Bistrica, Hrasnica and Lužani, battalion headquarters was in thebuilding of primary school Grnica. Commander of the battalion was Abduselam Redžebašić.
On December 14, 1993 by the Decree of the President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Alija Izetbegović, for overall contribution made to the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the exceptional combat successes they continuously achieve and the courage, determination and dedication of their members shown in the performance of all combat and other tasks, as well as the care and protection of citizens the Brigade received the honorary title Glorious .[49]
The brigade was formed on October 21, 1993 in Bugojno. The brigade included parts of the units of the 307th mtbr, from the area of the municipality of Donji Vakuf, a small part of other municipalities and units of the disbanded Municipal Headquarters of Defense of Donji Vakuf.[50] On April 14, 1994, the brigade was awarded the honorary title Glorious for its success.[51]
Later on:
The brigade was formed on December 1, 1992. The brigade had three mountain battalions, two mountain battalions were formed from conscripts from the area of the municipality of Busovača and one mountain battalion from conscripts from the area municipality of Kakanj. The brigade consisted of a total of 1,940 soldiers.[53]
Freedom was the official magazine of the 7th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. First published on June 17, 1994 and last, twentieth issue, was published on January 17, 1996. The magazine was published in Travnik, headquarters of the Command of the 7th Corps of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina in A3 format, later reprinted in A4 format. The first two issues were printed in the printing house "AB Tisak" Travnik (this printing house was enlisted for the needs of the 7th Corps), however, due to the publishing needs and technical reasons required that the other eighteen issues of "Sloboda" be printed in the printing and publishing company "Borac" Travnik.[54]
The mission of Sloboda was to affirm the goals of the defense and struggle for liberation, however, there were also critically intoned articles. A typical issue of "Sloboda" provided analysis of military operations of the 7th Corps, at the same time, it contained articles with important military-political commentary, interviews with the troops, unit and individual activities and achievements, history and sport. In twenty issues of the magazine "Sloboda" as many as 916 articles, 799 authentic photos and illustrations were published, whose authors were mainly journalists (and associates) from the 7th corps.