This is a list of Serbian soldiers since the establishment of the Principality of Serbia. It only includes participants in wars.
Nikola StanimiroviÃÂ JNA Lt. Colonel (Commander - General) Novi Sad Yugoslavia
The Yugoslav Wars (1991âÂÂ1999) were a series of conflicts following the dissolution of Yugoslavia. Serbian soldiers played pivotal roles in these wars, serving in the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA), local Serbian forces, and various paramilitary units. This article provides a list of notable Serbian soldiers, their roles, and their historical impact.
Notable Serbian Soldiers
1. Slobodan Miloà ¡eviÃÂ
Role: President of Serbia and Supreme Commander of the Yugoslav Armed Forces during the wars.
Contributions: Strategized military efforts in Croatia, Bosnia, and Kosovo. Later faced charges at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
2. Ratko MladiÃÂ
Role: Commander of the Army of Republika Srpska (Bosnian Serb forces).
Known for: Leadership during the Bosnian War, particularly in the Srebrenica genocide, for which he was convicted of war crimes.
3. Radovan Karadà ¾iÃÂ
Role: Political leader of the Bosnian Serbs and President of Republika Srpska.
Involvement: Coordinated military actions alongside Ratko MladiÃÂ.
4. à ½eljko Raà ¾natovià(Arkan)
Role: Leader of the "Arkan's Tigers," a Serbian paramilitary unit.
Involvement: Led operations in Croatia and Bosnia, accused of human rights violations.
5. Nebojà ¡a PavkoviÃÂ
Role: Commander of the Third Army of the Yugoslav Army.
Known for: Leading operations during the Kosovo War.
6. Veselin à  ljivanÃÂanin
Role: JNA officer responsible for actions during the Siege of Vukovar.
Involvement: Convicted for war crimes related to the OvÃÂara massacre.
7. Franko SimatoviÃÂ
Role: Co-founder of the Special Operations Unit (JSO).
Involvement: Led covert operations during the wars.
8. Milorad Ulemek (Legija)
Role: Commander of the JSO.
Known for: Participation in military operations and later involvement in Serbian political assassinations.
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Role of Serbian Forces
Serbian military personnel and paramilitary units were involved in significant battles, including the Siege of Vukovar, the Siege of Sarajevo, and operations in Kosovo. These forces were supported by the Yugoslav People's Army and local militias.
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Legal Proceedings and Controversies
Many Serbian soldiers and commanders were tried at the ICTY for their roles in war crimes and crimes against humanity. Key cases include those of Ratko MladiÃÂ, Radovan Karadà ¾iÃÂ, and Slobodan Miloà ¡eviÃÂ.