The Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Vassilis Palmas, attended the annual commemoration of the fallen of the 3rd…
It has been 25 years since the start of the NATO air operation against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which became known as Operation Allied Force.
On Sunday night, thousands of citizens gathered at the ruins of the former Headquarters of the Army in Belgrade – the building was severely damaged during air raids and the ruins were preserved as a memorial.
According to Euronews, some of the demonstrators held banners that read “When the army returns to Kosovo”, while others waved Russian flags, some with the symbol “Z”.
Earlier on Sunday, several Serbian cities held memorial services and tributes to the victims of the air strikes. In Belgrade, politicians, military, and foreign diplomats laid wreaths at a memorial for the child victims of the bombings.
A year after the start of the Kosovo War, marred by many serious war crimes, the official cause of Operation Allied Force was Serbia’s refusal to sign the Rambouillet Agreement – a plan that called for a complete Serbian withdrawal from Kosovo.
NATO decided to launch the operation without UN approval – as it was expected that China and Russia would veto any such UNSC decision anyway. This has since sparked debates about the legality of NATO’s actions.
The bombing began on March 24, 1999. The Serbian side claims that in addition to military and infrastructure targets, NATO bombed purely civilian places such as hospitals. The exact number of victims is not yet known. Various sources give very different estimates, from several hundred to several thousand civilians killed.
The operation officially ended on June 10, 1999, one day after the signing of the Kumanovo Agreement, which entailed the full withdrawal of Yugoslavia and Serbia from Kosovo and eventually led to the Republic’s full, if partially recognized, independence.
Also read: Serbia – Kosovo | Agreement on the European peace plan
READ MORE
120 years since the death of Pavlos Melas—The Hero of the Macedonian Struggle—Photos
The Armed Forces honor the memory of the ethnic martyr who gave his life for the liberation of Macedonia…
80 years since the Battle of Rimini – The Brigade that wrote golden pages of history
The “Rimini Brigade” wrote new pages of history for Greece, placing it in the camp of the winners. This success was linked to hope and…
GEEF | Annual Rifle Shot of Good Sportsmanship by the National Guard Battalions
On Tuesday, November 4, 2024, the Annual Rifle Shoot of Good Sportsmanship took place between the National Guard Battalions (TETH) of…
Defender Rewards Card | A smart Solution for Defence Professionals
For military personnel, financial stability can seem like an impossible goal amid constant transfers, temporary assignments, and…
SEKPY | Strong Representation at EURONAVAL 2024 with an Impressive Inauguration Ceremony
SEKPY’s representation at EURONAVAL 2024 showcases Hellenic Defence Industry’s capabilities with a Hellenic Pavilion and a well-attended…
Bolivia | Supporters of former President Evo Morales are holding 200 soldiers hostage
Supporters of former Bolivian President Evo Morales are holding at least 200 military personnel hostage after raids on three…
US Navy | Extension of service life of 12 Arleigh Burke destroyers
The US Navy announced on Thursday, October 31, 2024, that it will extend the life of 12 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to remain in…
Hwasong-19 | North Korea releases footage of the new ICBM launch
North Korea made a show of strength with the test launch of its new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile named Hwasong-19.