Dubrovnik surrounded by enemies

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Croatian troops man an observation post above Dubrovnik early in 1992. Thomas Kern

An inhabitant in front of her destroyed house in the old town. Thomas Kern

A view of destroyed roofs and houses along the main street of the old town. Thomas Kern

A Croatian soldier poolside at an abandoned hotel (left) and a burnt-out car with a local license plate. Thomas Kern

An abandoned and partially destroyed hotel outside the historical centre, with the city walls in the background. Thomas Kern

Daily life in the old town during the second siege of Dubrovnik early in 1992. Thomas Kern

A Croatian outpost defending the city close to the frontline with the Serbian army. Thomas Kern

Croatian soldiers close to the frontline outside the city. Thomas Kern

Some inhabitants of Dubrovnik try to get on board one of the few ships heading to Rijeka (Croatia) to escape the fighting. Thomas Kern

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The West woke up to what was happening in the Balkans when Serb forces began to bombard the old Croatian seaside city of Dubrovnik in late autumn 1991. More than 2,000 shells fell inside the walls of the UNESCO-listed old town during the war.

On October 1, 1991, telephone and power lines as well as water supplies were cut off. Offshore, Serb warships blocked all access to the city. The worst fighting took place on December 6, when the surrounding forces launched around 600 grenades into the old town to force locals to flee. In early 1992, fierce fighting once again flared up as the Serbs tried to stop the Croatians from claiming independence.

(All pictures: Thomas Kern)