When the government of Bosnia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1992, civil war broke out between minority Serbs and the Muslim Slavs who formed the majority of the population. Within a month, most towns had fallen to Serb militia and the seige of Sarajevo (the capital of Bosnia) had begun. All roads leading in and out of Sarajevo were closed.

For five years, the 400 000 residents were cut off from food, medicine, water, and electricity. Thousands of civilians were injured or killed in daily mortar and sniper attacks. No place in the city was safe. Sports stadiums, markets, and even hospitals were targeted.