 When the Partisans advanced into Serbia in March 1944 , Partisan forces in northern Montenegro and the Sandžak were reduced to one division . To exploit this weakness , Đurišić proposed to the Germans that they launch an offensive operation . Operation Frühlingserwachen was planned for the northern parts of Montenegro and the Sandžak ; its primary objective was the capture of Kolašin through concentric attacks launched from Pljevlja , Prijepolje and Pešter . This would permit them to link up with forces advancing from Podgorica in the south and to drive a wedge through the middle of the Partisan lines . Operation Frühlingserwachen involved an Axis force of about 5 @,@ 000 men comprising some of Đurišić 's forces , the SS Polizei @-@ Selbstschutz @-@ Regiment Sandschak , the 2nd Battalion of the 5th Regiment of the SDK , and two reinforced German motorised companies . The operation began on 9 April ; Đurišić 's forces briefly seized Berane and Bijelo Polje but were soon beaten back by the Partisans . This reversal consolidated the poor German – Chetnik position in Montenegro ; their forces in the south were completely isolated from those in the north . Chetnik forces and their allies suffered heavy casualties ; the 2nd Battalion of the 5th Regiment of the SDK was reduced from 893 men to 350 . 
