The Croatian Defense Council (HVO) was a military force established in 1992 during the Croatian War of Independence. It was primarily composed of Croatian Bosniaks and Croats and aimed to defend the interests of the Croatian population in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The HVO played a significant role in various military operations and was involved in the conflict against the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The HVO was officially disbanded in 1996 after the war ended, transitioning into a more formalized structure within the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its legacy remains complex, as it was involved in both defense efforts and controversial actions during the war, leading to ongoing discussions about its role in the conflict.