Operation Gvardijan was covert action of Yugoslav Directorate for State Security (UDBA) from 1947 and 1948. It prevented an attempt by Ustasha emigrants to carry out terrorist and diversionary actions in Yugoslavia and unite anti-communist Crusaders in the country, in an uprising against the new authorities.
Infiltration of the Ustashas (called Operation April 10[note 1]) was initiated with the consent of Ante Pavelić (after its failure, he distanced himself from it). The action was led by Božidar Kavran. The first group was arrested on Mount Papuk. UDBA launched Operation Gvardijan to lure the escaped Ustashas by sending false messages, during which a total of 19 Ustasha groups were arrested. The operation ended with Kavran's arrest. The Ustashas were tried in August 1948. Most were sentenced to death, while others were sent to prison. A total of 96 Ustashas were arrested, killed, or executed including former concentration camp commandants Ante Vrban and Ljubo Miloš.[1]
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