Croatia marks anniversary of the Log Revolution and 1991 conflict

The anniversary of the ‘Log Revolution’ marks the period in August 1990 when Serbian rebels began blocking roads in Croatia, most notably around Knin, using large logs to create barricades. This movement aimed to annex parts of Croatian territory to create a ‘Greater Serbia’ and sought Serbian autonomy through a referendum.

The unrest escalated into armed conflict in regions such as Grubišno Polje. In August 1991, rebels launched mortar and infantry attacks on Grubišno Polje, wounding two police officers and four civilians. The subsequent occupation of Bilogora villages involved the expulsion of non-Serbian populations, property looting, and instances of physical torture and killings. These hostilities continued until military operations, such as ‘Otkos 10’ in November 1991, expelled the rebels from the area.

The barricades caused significant traffic collapses during the summer tourist season, severing connections between continental Croatia and Dalmatia. Attempts by Croatian authorities to intervene, including the deployment of armored transporters and special police helicopters, were met with resistance or intercepted by the Yugoslav People's Army.