34th anniversary of the defence of Donji Kotorac marked

(Patria) - By laying flowers and paying tribute, the 34th anniversary of the first attack on Donji Kotorac was marked today in Butmir and Donji Kotorac. The attack was carried out by aggressor forces on 13 June 1992, and this date is also observed as the day of this local community.

On this day 34 years ago, aggressors used tanks and armoured personnel carriers to breach the fence of Sarajevo International Airport and positioned themselves in Donji Kotorac to cut off this settlement from Butmir.

Showing great courage, the defenders of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina managed to withstand the attacks, and the aggressor eventually withdrew. 

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs of Sarajevo Canton, Omer Osmanović, also laid flowers today in Donji Kotorac.

“For us, all dates that mark our courage and our victories, which were a prerequisite for today's freedom, are equally important. One of the key battles for Sarajevo was fought in this area, and the defenders from this region were ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for the common good of all of us. It is precisely this courage that is our obligation today, to visit and pay tribute to our heroes.

May the courage of the defenders of Donji Kotorac be part of the stories we pass on to young people and the respect we show to those who defended our homeland. The least we can do is not forget them and appreciate the freedom they brought us,” Minister Osmanović said.

A fateful battle and a key defence of this part of the Ilidža territory was fought on this day. Its capture would have completely cut off and blockaded Sarajevo, and the existence of Bosnia and Herzegovina would have been called into question. This significant date is also marked as the anniversary of the formation of the 4th Motorised Battalion of the 4th Knight Motorised Brigade, as well as the Day of the Donji Kotorac local community.