Second Anti-partisan Offensive - Operation Ozren

Operation Ozren
Part of the Yugoslav Front during World War II
Date c. 26 January–4 February 1942
Location eastern Bosnia
Result Partisan withdrawal
Belligerents
Axis:
Germany
Independent State of Croatia
Allies:
Partisans
Commanders and leaders
Johann Fortner Josip Broz Tito
Strength
20,000–30,000 troops 2,000 troops

Operation Ozren was aimed at clearing the Partisans from the area between the Bosna and Spreča rivers, and was effectively an extension of Operation Southeast Croatia employing elements of the force used in that operation. The main force used was the German 718th Infantry Division reinforced by a regiment of the 342nd Infantry Division, supported by a number of NDH units (including a battalion of the Ustaše Black Legion). It commenced several days after Operation Southeast Croatia ended on 23 January 1942.

The Germans advanced north and west from Kladanj towards a cordon established by ten Croatian Home Guard battalions supported by their own artillery. However, the majority of Partisans were able to evade the cordon and escape. The operation concluded on 4 February 1942.

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