Marko Jagodić Kuridža Returns to Croatia, Veteran Remembers Operation Storm

Former basketball forward Marko Jagodić Kuridža, who left Croatia during the 1990s war and later played for Cibona from 2012 to 2015, said his welcome back to Zagreb was "overwhelming" and that he hopes to receive a flat so he can settle permanently. He is now preparing for a coaching career after ending his playing days.

Veteran Josip Bebek, president of the IV Gardijska Brigade “Pauci”, recalled entering the liberated town of Knin on 5 August 1995 during Operation Storm. He said the city was largely empty, noting his disappointment that there was no fighting and that his brigade left the town clean, without civilian casualties.

Both narratives reflect personal memories of Croatia’s recent history, from post‑war sports life to the military operation that ended the conflict.