Deblocking of Dulje
 | This article is a rough translation from Serbian. It may have been generated by a computer or by a translator without dual proficiency. |
The Deblocking of Dulje was a military operation conducted by the Yugoslav Army in August 1998 near the town of Dulje, with the aim of lifting the blockade of the area, securing the Dulje pass, and eliminating a stronghold of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). Over several days of fighting, the Yugoslav Army, utilizing armored units, managed to break through the KLA positions and take control of the pass.
Background
Throughout 1998, the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) carried out attacks on Yugoslav Army and police forces in the Dulje area. The Pristina–Suva Reka– Prizren road was repeatedly blocked at this location. On July 23, Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) fighters attacked a Yugoslav Army unit on the Shtime–Suva Reka road. On July 25, a Yugoslav Army tank was hit by a rocket–propelled grenade at elevation 915 near Dulje, wounding the driver. Moments later, the tank was hit twice more, disabling its turret. The crew managed to evacuate the vehicle under fire. The following day, on July 26, another T-55 tank was hit near Dulje–Mališevo, resulting in two crew members killed and another seriously wounded. Due to intense KLA fire, police forces escorting the tank were unable to assist the crew. A second T-55 tank arrived for support, towing the disabled tank to safety.[3]
Operation
On August 23, Dušan Barać and Rade Milutinov were wounded in a KLA attack, which took place on 23 August around 9:00 a.m. in Dulje. Nenad Radojčić was wounded at 10:10 a.m. on 25 August.[4] On 27 August 1998, the Yugoslav army launched a large-scale operation to clear the area of KLA fighters and break their hold on Dulje. On the first day, Yugoslav forces approached the town, encountering only sporadic fire. On the second day an attempt was made to breach KLA lines, but due to difficult terrain and strong defensive positions, no significant progress was achieved. On the third day, Yugoslav forces conducted a forced reconnaissance mission toward the village center. A recon unit, consisting of two BOV M-86 armored vehicles and a Pinzgauer utility vehicle, advanced but was stopped by a KLA barricade. Under intense small arms and anti–tank fire, the reconnaissance team dismounted and took defensive positions near their vehicles. Reinforcements, including a T-55 tank and a BVP M-80A infantry fighting vehicle, arrived but came under heavy attack. The T-55 was hit by an anti-tank missile, killing two crew members. On the fourth day, after additional reconnaissance and tactical adjustments, Yugoslav forces launched a final assault, breaking through KLA positions and securing Dulje.[5][6]
Aftermath
Later, both the Serbian military and police were deployed around Dulje, Djakovica, Lapušnik, Komoran and Pristina airfield.[7]
References
- ↑ https://amkmk.rks-gov.net/acadp_listings/lapidar-i-deshmoreve-dhe-martireve-duhel/
- ↑ "Kosovo: Serb Forces Advance on Ethnic Albanian Rebels Update". Associated Press. 27 July 1998.
- ↑ "www.glas-javnosti.co.yu". 2020-10-10. Archived from the original on 10 October 2020. Retrieved 2025-02-08.
- ↑ "Serbia Info News / Members of the Ministry of the Interior - Victims of Albanian Terrorism in 1998". www.nointervention.com. Retrieved 2025-02-08.
- ↑ "Tenkovi na Kosovu i Metohiji 98". 2004-05-05. Archived from the original on 5 May 2004. Retrieved 2025-02-08.
- ↑ "Tenkovi na Kosovu i Metohiji 98". www.srpskioklop.paluba.info. Retrieved 2025-02-08.
- ↑ "10/20/98 KDOM Daily Report". 1997-2001.state.gov. Retrieved 2025-02-08.
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