Serbian Guard

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Serbian Guard was a Serbian paramilitary active in Croatia during its War of Independence with close ties to the Serbian Renewal Movement (SPO). Eighty percent of the guard's members were members of the SPO.[1] The paramilitary was formed by SPO official Vuk Drašković and his wife Danica Drašković, along with Đorđe Božović "Giška" and Branislav Matić "Beli".[2]

The paramilitary's training camp was located near Bor Lake in Serbia, Yugoslavia.[2] It participated in attacks in Croatian territory near the city of Gospić.[3] Elements of the unit also participated in the War in Bosnia and Herzegovina.[4] Đorđe Božović was the unit's first commander, but was killed in action near Gospić.[5] Some people have alleged that Božović's death was an act of "friendly fire" orchestrated by the Republic of Serbian Krajina's government.[6] The unit's chief financier Branislav Matić was gunned down in August of 1991 in Belgrade.[7]

Serbian general Nebojša Pavković has called for Drašković to be tried for his role in the guard's formation.[8]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Died together with Giška
  2. ^ a b Serbian Guard, party army of the SPO, Danas
  3. ^ Serbia' Inadequate Opposition
  4. ^ Criminal: Death of Branko Lainovic
  5. ^ Belgrade underground, Vreme
  6. ^ Giška and guards died for nothing, Glas javnosti
  7. ^ Target of Unknown Assassins
  8. ^ Pavković: Vuk to the Hague!