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BATTLE // September 16, 1991

Battle of Zadar

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Significance

The Battle of Zadar formed part of the broader Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) effort to project force into Dalmatia during the opening phase of the Croatian War of Independence. The JNA's operational objectives shifted during the engagement itself: initial orders to relieve besieged JNA barracks in Zadar and sever Dalmatia from the rest of Croatia were expanded mid-battle to include seizure of the Port of Zadar. This escalation of objectives reflected the JNA's ambitions to secure strategically significant coastal infrastructure and cut Croatian territorial continuity along the Adriatic littoral. The involvement of the Croatian Serb Serbian Autonomous Oblast of Krajina alongside the JNA, countered by both the Croatian National Guard and Croatian Police, illustrated how early engagements in the war drew in multiple armed actors before formal front lines had consolidated. Yugoslav Air Force and Navy support indicated the scope of federal military commitment to operations in the Dalmatian theater at this stage of the conflict.

Tactics

The battle was fought north and east of the city of Zadar. The JNA advanced toward the city with support from the Yugoslav Air Force and Navy, while Croatian forces had been maintaining a of JNA barracks within Zadar itself. The overview does not provide further detail on specific maneuvers, unit dispositions, or terrain use.

Forces & casualties

Troop strength

  • Yugoslavia3,000
    medium
  • Croatia4,500
    medium

Croatia fielded a 1.5 : 1 numerical advantage

Order of battle →

Commanders (2)

Croatia

Yugoslavia

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Last verified June 2026
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