Marking the fifth anniversary of the death of Corporal Josip Briški: A tribute to the heroic soldier of the Special Forces Command

The fifth anniversary of the death of Croatian Army member, Sergeant Josip Briški, a member of the Special Forces Command, was marked on July 24, 2024, at the Markovo Polje cemetery in Sesvete. Family, friends, and members of the Special Forces Command, led by Brigadier Ivan Miloš, paid tribute by laying flowers and lighting candles on his grave.

Anniversary Commemoration
Tributes were also paid by representatives of the “Josip Briški” Center for International Military Operations, led by Brigadier Ana Hajdić, as well as former members of the Special Forces Command. The prayer at his grave was led by the Special Forces Command military chaplain, Don Željko Savić.

Remembering the Fallen
A memorial mass for Sergeant Josip Briški and all fallen, deceased, and missing members of the Croatian Armed Forces Special Units will be held at the “Croatian Martyrs” church in Udbina. This mass is part of the ceremony marking the completion of the Basic Training for Special Operations.

Mission in Afghanistan
Josip Briški was a member of the 10th Croatian contingent in the NATO peace support mission Resolute Support in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, he passed away on July 24, 2019, from severe injuries sustained during an attack on a Croatian Army vehicle in Kabul. His bravery was posthumously awarded the Gold Homeland Medal.

Tribute to a Hero
Since October 2019, the Center for International Military Operations has been named the “Josip Briški” Center for International Military Operations, permanently honoring his sacrifice and contribution to peace and security.

Emotional Speeches
Minister of Defense Damir Krstičević highlighted Briški as an exemplary soldier, son, husband, and father, emphasizing his dedication to the ideals fought for by Croatian defenders. General Mirko Šundov also spoke about Josip’s courage and dedication, highlighting his importance to the Croatian Army and the broader community. As part of the commemoration, members of the Special Forces Command recited the Commando prayer, paying special tribute to their deceased colleague.

Family Life
Josip Briški lived in Sesvete with his wife and son, who was baptized this spring. Before his military career, he worked as a delivery driver, and neighbors remember him as a hardworking and polite young man. The mission in Afghanistan was his first international mission, where he participated in advising and mentoring Afghan security forces.