12/07/1995 | Page 2 of 14 | Voices from the Drina

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Just said goodbye to my husband and my brother, who are heading into the woods with the others to escape being killed by the Serbs.

I’m heading into the woods with my brothers. Whatever happens, I feel better going into this with them by my side.

I’ve just said goodbye to my husband, Muriz. He held our children in his arms before he left for the woods. I don’t know how long his hug lasted. He put the children down and said, “Šuhra, keep them safe”, as if he knew he’d never see them again. But I’m sure he’ll survive.

I’m heading into the woods with my dad and two brothers. We have a higher chance of surviving than if we go to the @unproforbih base in Potočari.

I’m part of what feels like a death march through the woods. I don’t have any food with me (I have a small piece of bread). I have a ripped backpack made out of a parachute. I’ve packed a pair of pants and socks. That’s it.

I’ve tried crossing the river Križevica three times. Every time I’ve been forced back up the hill. I don’t know where, when, or how to move.

Meeting with Mladić has concluded. All men between the ages of 16 and 60 are to be vetted by Mladić’s forces. Women and children will be deported. @unproforbih plan on evacuating women and children with the Red Cross under their armed escort.

Fourth time’s the charm. I’ve crossed the river Križevica. With God’s help – mašallah.

Serb soldiers have entered the @unproforbih base in Potočari. They’ve taken my dad away from us. What’s going on? @suljagicemir, @nuhanovichasan, @jusupovicadmir, you guys are interpreting for UNPROFOR. Why are they taking our dads away?

It’s the middle of the night and I’ve just heard a scream from up by Kamensko Hill. An attack is being carried out there by Serb forces. The scream was, “Don’t leave me, I’ll injured!!”. The scream rang out. It froze my blood.