Villages around Dubrovnic were Serbian. Croats were gradually expelling Serbian populations from this area and Serb militia was shooting back.
BTW, despite all those track tires burned for the benefit of Western media and few bullet holes Dubrovnik is in good condition. It is Serbfree so Croats should be happy. Only thing left to do is to remove the ruins of Serbian villages so it will not spoil the mood of Western tourists.
You Croats are very clever about economy, having Dalamatia for yourself will gain you billions in the future from German visitors. Congratulations, enjoy.