Patriotic League (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
| Patriotic League Patriotska Liga BIH | |
|---|---|
.jpg){kind=logo} Logo of the Patriotic League | |
| Active | 1990–1992 (became part of the ARBIH) |
| Country | Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Type | Paramilitary organization |
| Size | 98,000 |
| Garrison/HQ | Sarajevo, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Engagements |
Yugoslav Wars • Bosnian War |
| Disbanded | Incorporated into the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Commanders | |
| Commander | Sefer Halilović |
The Patriotic League was the first paramilitary unit of Territorial Defence Force of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.[1]
History
On December 19, 1990 Alija Izetbegović and the SDA party discussed forming an independent paramilitary separate from the Yugoslav People's Army. In March 1991 Sefer Halilović formed the Patriotic League (Patriotska Liga - PL) as an independent Bosnian army, with the same territorial organization as the TO. Later on the Patriotic League was connected to the TO. The Patriotic League, alongside the TORBIH, would later become the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.[2]
Training
The Patriotic League received training at Croatian Special Police centers and by March 1992 claimed 98,000 troops-more than the shrinking TO - organized in 9 regions and 103 (out of 109) districts.[3]
Units
- Crni Labudovi (The Black Swans)
- Armija RBiH - Diverzantsko-Izviđačka Brigada
- Zmaj od Bosne (Dragon of Bosnia)