The **HVO (Hrvatsko Vijeće Obrane / Croatian Defence Council)** was the main military force of the Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia during the **Bosnian War (1992–1995)**. The HVO often used **war patches** to identify units, commanders, and affiliations. One notable figure associated with the HVO was **Frano Ljubaš Čane**, also known as **"Crni Franjevci"** ("Black Franciscan"), a charismatic and controversial commander.
Frano Ljubaš Čane ("Crni Franjevci"):
- **Role**: Frano Ljubaš Čane was a prominent HVO commander, known for his leadership in the Herzegovina region, particularly around Mostar. He earned the nickname **"Crni Franjevci"** due to his dark clothing and his association with the Franciscan order, which held significant influence in the region.
- **Reputation**: He was both respected and feared, known for his fierce loyalty to the Croatian cause and his involvement in some of the war's most intense battles. However, his actions during the war remain controversial, with allegations of war crimes and brutality.The **Croatian checkerboard (šahovnica)**, a national symbol, was often featured on HVO patches.