September 1992 | Voices from the Drina

Featured Authors

Featured Authors

Almost as a rule, Serb aircraft come after a battle has been lost (their defensive lines have been broken or they’ve suffered serious casualties). They retaliate against civilians by bombing and shelling the besieged town.

Mortar shells are being replaced by bigger and deadlier calibres.

Today, for the first time, besieged Srebrenica has been hit by a 155-mm howitzer shell. The town is in shock. It’s not only destructive but travels at a terrifying speed. Its blood-chilling sound breaks instantly above our heads.

The Srebrenica wartime hospital is a hellish site. There are not enough medical supplies, and patients are being treated without any anaesthetic – even for amputations. (1/2)

Local doctors are giving patients a local plum brandy instead of anaesthetic, making them drunk before surgery. Whenever I visit the hospital I can’t forget the terrible images for days after. There are patients my own age suffering great pain.

Husein, Omer and I are returning from our summer hideout in the forests, to besieged Srebrenica. Mum and Dad are staying in the forests for now.

The refuge shelter in the forest has been set on fire by Serb forces. The dog we befriended has been killed. No idea if Mum and Dad have survived.

Mum and Dad survived the attack, Mashallah! We’re all together again in Srebrenica.

Serb forces are at my door again. I still haven’t seen Dad since they took him from me last month. I’m terrified.

They’re taking me back to ‘Karaman’s house’. I’m terrified.