A Tight Ring is Gradually Being Pulled Around Vukovar

Vukovar, 17 October 1991

First morning report on the war in Vukovar for Croatian Radio. Siniša Glavašević reporting.

Grenades and mortar shells are falling on the city again; promises have been broken again. Mr Raseta intentionally forgets that he also commands Chetniks. Admissions were made last night when men strange in appearance and with long beards were arrested in Luzac.

It all seemed difficult to believe, but it was like on film. Evidence continued to be provided throughout the night. Hrcan Stevan, born 26 July 1966 in Pancevo, reservist, tank loader. After his arrest, he explained many things. We bring an extract from the minutes taken. “I was in a T-55 tank. My unit, which is the size of a battalion, headed out from Dalj and through Bobota and the Dergaj Woods. But, close to the woods two of our tanks were destroyed."

The detainee further states that eleven tanks and four transporters from the I Armoured Mechanised Infantry Battalion took part in this operation. He admits that there are an indeterminate number of mortars and reservists in the Dergaj Woods. He also named his commanding officer. Captain, first class, commander of the I Armoured Mechanised Infantry Battalion, Mr Petar Lelovic. The tank crews were not keen on the assignment when they heard that they were going as far as Bobota, where they would, in the words of the commander, probably engage in battle against Ustashi.

Although the prisoner had already refused to fight once before in Dalj, he had been mobilized again ten days before his twenty-fifth birthday. During the night, a further four hundred projectiles fell on the city from Backa, from the direction of the Dergaj Woods, and from the Chetnik village Petrova Gora.

At the same time, action was taken against the village Luzac. After erecting a pontoon bridge, a total of eleven tanks and four transporters planned to enter Vukovar. Four tanks and one transporter were destroyed. The remaining tanks and transporters continue to ply the area firing.

Four tanks attempted to enter Vukovar at Mitnica. They were unsuccessful and fell back. A further two tanks and two transporters had the same intention at Sajmiste. One tank was destroyed, a transporter was damaged, and the rest fell back.

A pontoon bridge was also built on the Trpinjska Road, but they were unable to carry out their plan. Warring in Vukovar, which went on into the night, meant that tired defenders had to invest even greater efforts. Still, around two hundred enemy soldiers were once again put out of action.

At Croatian Armed Forces HQ for Vukovar they were astounded at how many volunteers were willing to give their lives.

As yet, we have not received reports on wounded and dead on our side. The political struggle and dramatic appeals sent out by the city fathers to the whole of Croatia and Europe so far remain unanswered. But they should be answered. Because all those still alive, as well as the heroes of Vukovar are in dire need of either rest or death; aside from the defenders, there are a further 35,000 people in this district.

A tight ring is gradually being pulled around Vukovar.

Was the appeal loud enough?