Kosovo President, Atifete Jahjaga, welcomes today’s operation by security and judicial mechanisms of the Republic of Kosovo against persons suspected of terrorism and participating in the war in Syria and Iraq alongside terrorist organizations, as well as against activities of suspected locations related to inciting violent extremism and hatred.

President Jahjaga said the goal of the operation – which helped apprehend a large number of suspects and raided several locations country-wide by impeding illegal activities aimed at including Kosovo citizens in terrorist causes – is to secure a free, safe, peaceful and tolerant Kosovo, free from terrorism and crime, phenomena which are staining our long tradition of religious tolerance and are in full opposition with the values and ideals that are the foundations of our country.

President Jahjaga said the operation will bring to justice all those that incited or inspired actions that constitute a threat to Kosovo’s national security, to the security of our people, the region and beyond. President Jahjaga thanks members of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency and Kosovo Police for their tireless work in identifying and preventing threats, and also Kosovo’s strategic allies in the fight against terrorism. Jahjaga also hailed the work and commitment of the State Prosecution in establishing law and order.

President Jahjaga said Kosovo will never be a safe haven for extremism and reiterated the position that Kosovo institutions will never allow our country to become a source of criminal and terrorist activities that threaten peace, stability and constitutional order.

The institutions of the Republic of Kosovo will be uncompromising in defending national security. We stand determined to create a state of equal citizens that guarantees the right of every person, civic liberties and equality of all people before the law, and a Kosovo that contributes to peace and stability.