BOOK PROMOTION HELD IN GORNJI VAKUF: “JAJAČKA 305/705 – THE GLORIOUS MOUNTAIN BRIGADE OF THE ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA” BY DR. AMIR KLIKA

On December 10, 2025, in the hall of the Public Institution “Center for Education, Sport, and Culture” in Gornji Vakuf, a promotion event was held for the book “Jajačka 305/705 – The Glorious Mountain Brigade of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina”, authored by Dr. Amir Klika, Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Research of Crimes Against Humanity and International Law, University of Sarajevo. The book was published jointly by the Institute and the Municipality of Jajce.

The event was attended by over 300 visitors, demonstrating great respect for the wartime history and the role of the 305/705 Mountain Brigade, especially in the crucial battles for the defense of Gornji Vakuf.

The promotion was organized at a high level, and the program took place in a deeply emotional atmosphere. The event began with a musical performance by members of the Bosniak Cultural Community “Preporod” Gornji Vakuf.

The book was promoted by Dr. Jasmin Medić, Senior Research Associate at the Institute of History, University of Sarajevo, and Major Halid Dedić. The promotion was moderated by Prof. Dr. Ermin Kuka, Scientific Advisor at the Institute for Research of Crimes Against Humanity and International Law, University of Sarajevo.

In his remarks on the book, Dr. Jasmin Medić emphasized:

"Through five chapters, Dr. Amir Klika provides a detailed account of the fate of one municipality and its residents during the aggression on the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 1993, Bosnia and Herzegovina faced a dual aggression – first by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and then by the Republic of Croatia. During this period, members of the 305/705 Mountain Brigade actively participated in the defense of their homeland in the Gornji Vakuf area, which became a symbol of heroic resistance against Croatian aggression. The author rightly highlights the importance and contribution of the people of Jajce in these events. The book thoroughly examines the brigade’s involvement in the liberation of Donji Vakuf, Kupres, and other parts of central Bosnia, as well as Mount Vlašić. These events further justify the title 'Glorious Brigade,' appropriately associated with the Jajačka 305/705 Mountain Brigade. Dr. Klika’s analyses are characterized by thoroughness, clarity, and a high degree of analytical depth, making this book a highly valuable scientific monograph and a significant contribution to Bosnian-Herzegovinian historiography."

Major Halid Dedić spoke about the brigade’s wartime path, highlighting its role in defending Gornji Vakuf:

"Dr. Amir Klika’s book comprehensively examines the wartime path of the Jajačka 305/705 Mountain Brigade of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It provides a detailed account of events and participants in the war, notably the brigade’s formation in Travnik, the defense of Gornji Vakuf, and the liberation of Kupres and Mount Vlašić. The brigade made an exceptional contribution to the defense of Gornji Vakuf under extremely difficult conditions. The soldiers marched from free territory into a semi-encircled area to assist in the city’s defense, demonstrating remarkable unity. All members functioned as one, fully aware that they were defending Bosnia and Herzegovina."

Dr. Amir Klika shared his personal motivations for writing the book and emphasized the importance of the defense of Gornji Vakuf:

"Every battle was significant, but only some were decisive for the survival of Bosnia and Herzegovina. One of these was the battle for Gornji Vakuf from January 1993 to March 1994. Wherever the corps command ordered, the soldiers from Jajce went, mostly on foot. They crossed Mount Vranica in the harshest winter conditions to assist the defenders of Gornji Vakuf. They left hungry families behind to help, joining the Privor area in months of grueling combat against an enemy well-equipped with food and materiel. The people of Jajce knew that the defense of Privor determined the defense of Gornji Vakuf, and thus the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina."

At the end of the promotion, Colonel Abid Gromila, a recipient of the “Golden Lily” award, one of the commanders of the 305/705 Mountain Brigade and the Tactical Group Privor during the aggression, addressed the audience:

"No member of the 305/705 Brigade was ever convicted or accused of war crimes. This confirms the honorable path of the brigade. Dr. Amir Klika undertook the complex and demanding task of documenting the brigade’s operations across multiple zones and battlefields. He fulfilled this task professionally, providing a detailed and scholarly account. We feel proud to have defended our homeland, leaving a legacy for future generations. The defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina was possible, and we demonstrated this heroically without a single stain on our military honor."

The promotion concluded with another performance by members of the Bosniak Cultural Community “Preporod” Gornji Vakuf.

The event was organized by the Institute for Research of Crimes Against Humanity and International Law, University of Sarajevo, and the Organization of Families of Martyrs and Fallen Fighters of Gornji Vakuf.