UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, September 25, 2023
Albanian Language Media:
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An official of the Kosovo Police killed in the north (media)
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Reactions to killing of Kosovo police officer in north (media)
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Raska-Prizren Diocese: Armed persons moving in monastery yard (Koha)
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Kurti: At least 30 heavily armed people under siege of our forces (media)
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President Osmani: An attack on Kosovo (RTK)
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Svecla's ultimatum: Last warning to surrender (media)
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Kurti on terrorist attack: Politically, financially supported by Belgrade (media)
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Police: Arrested two terrorists, four others, situation tense, under control (media)
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Svecla: Kosovo Police has territory under control (media)
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Special Prosecutor's Office: Six arrested in north are suspected of terrorism, we seized a lot of weapons (media)
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KFOR: Closely monitoring situation, ready to intervene if necessary (Reporteri)
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IMC calls on media for accurate and impartial reporting (media)
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Attacker on police treated in Prishtina, surgical intervention expected (media)
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Opposition political parties react to the killing of Kosovo policeman (media)
Serbian Language Media:
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Vucic condemns killing of Kosovo policeman, blames “Kurti’s terror“ for escalation (N1, media)
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Raska-Prizren Eparchy: Currently, there is sense of calm at Banjska monastery, but overwhelming unease and concern linger among monks and pilgrims (media, social media, Eparchy’s webpage)
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Armed masked persons breached locked gate of Banjska Monastery during yesterday’s armed clashes, Eparchy expressed condolences to family of killed police officer (KoSSev, media, social media)
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Djuric blames Kurti for preparing ground for yesterday’s incidents (media, social media)
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Brnabic: International community gave Kurti a wind at his back for disaster in northern Kosovo (RTS, TV Pink)
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Serbian opposition parties accuse Kurti of carrying out ethnic cleansing in Kosovo (Radio KIM)
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Entry to Banjska village still forbidden (Tanjug)
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Six persons arrested in northern Kosovo sent to 48-hour detention (KoSSev)
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SRSG Ziadeh condemns incident in northern Kosovo in which Kosovo police officer was killed (Kosovo Online, Radio KIM)
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Lazarevic on incident in northern Kosovo (N1)
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Grenell: Kurti’s unilateral actions are not justification for violence (Kosovo Online, social media)
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Von Cramon: Urgent de-escalation needed and reinforcement of KFOR (Radio KIM)
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Gashi: Current situation consequence of Kurti’s failures in north (Kosovo Online)
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Demhasaj: Statements of officials in situations as this one must be careful (Kosovo Online)
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Telekom Srbija wins appeal against ban in Kosovo (Tanjug, media)
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Incident at playground in Mikro Naselje, KP: A boy showed knives to other children, he has been questioned and knives confiscated (KoSSev)
International Media:
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Kosovan PM Albin Kurti says talks with Serbia have reached deadlock (The Guardian)
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Serb gunmen battle police in Kosovo monastery siege; four dead (Reuters)
Albanian Language Media
An official of the Kosovo Police killed in the north (media) An official of the Kosovo Police was killed in the early hours of Sunday in the village of Banjske, in the north of Kosovo, the Kosovo Police announced. Also, according to the Police, as a result of the attack, one police officer was injured. Through a press release, the Police said that at around 02:34 the rapid response units noticed that at the entrance to the village of Banjske, two heavy trucks (without license plates) were placed on the bridge and the entrance to this village through the bridge was blocked. "The police units of the Zvecan police station, after receiving the information, responded to the case and set out with three units in the direction of the location and as soon as they arrived near the place where the blockade was reported, the police units encountered resistance from several different positions and were shot with an arsenal of firearms, including hand grenades and zolas, where as a result of the shots, two police officers were shot with firearms. The police have said that their units were being attacked from time to time by organized and armed groups. The other two injured police officers are out of danger and are being treated in Pristina. The doctor in charge at the Thoracic Clinic has confirmed to Radio Free Europe that a part of a grenade which fell on a police officer’s arm, was removed from a part of the lung of the injured police officer.Reactions to killing of Kosovo police officer in north (media)
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani: “We stand with Kosovo Police in our noble mission to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Kosovo. Terrorists can't break us; they only strengthen our resolve! Thank you to our heroes in uniform! Kosovo is eternal!”
U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeffrey Hovenier: “The United States strongly condemns the orchestrated, violent attacks on the Kosovo Police this morning, September 24. The Kosovo Police has full and legitimate responsibility for enforcing the rule of law according to the constitution and laws of Kosovo. We recognize and respect its role as the first responder to emergency and crisis situations. We appreciate the ongoing coordination between the Kosovo Police, the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, and the NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR), as appropriate. We are monitoring the situation closely and condemn these violent acts against the legitimate authorities of the Republic of Kosovo. The perpetrators must and will be held accountable and brought to justice. They should immediately cease their attacks. On behalf of the United States, I express my deep condolences following the death of the Kosovo Police Sergeant who was killed in the line of duty. I also convey my wishes for a speedy recovery for the two officers injured.German Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “We condemn the hideous attack on #Kosovo Police in strongest possible terms. Our thoughts are with the killed officer’s family & the severely injured. Illegal armed groups must stop putting lives at risk. Perpetrators must be held accountable. [Special Envoy for Western Balkans] Manuel Sarrazin travels to Kosovo today.”
EU High Representative Josep Borrell: “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the hideous attack by an armed gang against Kosovo Police officers in Banjska/Banjskë in the north of Kosovo, which left one police officer dead and two injured. All facts about the attack need to be established. The responsible perpetrators must face justice. More innocent lives are at risk in ongoing hostilities in the surroundings of Banjska Monastery. These attacks must stop immediately. EULEX, as second security responder, is on the ground and in close contact with the authorities and KFOR. The EU and its Member States repeatedly urge all actors to work to de-escalate the situation in north of Kosovo.”
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of UNMIK, Caroline Ziadeh expressed “her deep sorrow and condolences for the loss of life of a Kosovo police officer, and unequivocally condemns this tragic incident in the strongest terms. She calls for the perpetrators to be held accountable and wishes the injured officers swift recovery. UNMIK is closely monitoring the situation and urges all parties to exercise restraint.”
German Foreign Office: “We condemn the hideous attack on Kosovo Police in strongest possible terms. Our thoughts are with the killed officer’s family & the severely injured. Illegal armed groups must stop putting lives at risk. Perpetrators must be held accountable. Manuel Sarrazin [German Special Representative for the Western Balkans] travels to Kosovo today.”
German Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee head, Michael Roth: “There is simply no end to the brutal violence. Now a Kosovar policeman has been killed. Presumably, Serbian gangs (with direct support from Belgrade) are again responsible for this. I'm curious to see what President Aleksandar Vucic this time comes up as an excuse.”
The ambassador of Germany in Kosovo, Jorn Rohde, reacted after the killing of a policeman in the north, saying that the perpetrators of this attack should be brought to justice. Rohde has said that he fully supports the statement of his U.S. counterpart, Jeffrey Hovenier, who earlier said that the U.S. condemns orchestrated attacks on the police. "The rule of law must be implemented in Kosovo. My heartfelt condolences go to the family of the dead policeman and to the injured policemen of the Kosovo Police", Rohde wrote on "X" platform.
The Embassy of the United Kingdom has condemned the violent attack on the Kosovo Police. This embassy has called for a peaceful solution to the situation. "The institutions of Kosovo must be allowed to investigate and identify the perpetrators of this terrible attack, so that they can be brought to justice in accordance with the rule of law. We welcome the close coordination of the Kosovo Police, as a first responder, with EULEX and KFOR", says the reaction of this embassy.
The French Embassy in Kosovo also reacted to the attack. The reaction states that the attack is unacceptable and that the perpetrators of the attack should be arrested and brought to justice.
The Embassy of Italy in Kosovo has also reacted after the killing of a policeman and the wounding of another in the north of Kosovo, on Sunday morning. According to a post on Twitter, the embassy says that the Italian ambassador, Antonello De Riu, strongly condemns the attacks on the Kosovo Police and expresses the deepest condolences to the loved ones of the officer who died in the line of duty.
Head of the EU Office in Kosovo, Tomas Szunyog, reacted to the attacks saying: "Read the statement of the High Representative of the EU, Josep Borrell, about the terrible attack by an armed gang against the Kosovo policemen in Banjska in the north of Kosovo. My heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues and loved ones of the police officer who lost his life in the line of duty," Szunyog wrote on Twitter.
Head of the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), Giovanni Pietro Barbano, has said that he is horrified by the violent attack against the Kosovo Police in the north of Kosovo. "Terrified by today's violent attack against the Kosovo Police. My deepest condolences to the family of the police officer killed in the line of duty. I wish a speedy recovery to the two injured officers", he wrote.
Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Michael Davenport, said he strongly condemns the attack on the Kosovo Police near the village of Banjske in Zvecan. "I strongly condemn the brutal attack on the Kosovo Police this morning, where one policeman was killed and another injured while on duty near Banjska. Sincere condolences to the family of the deceased policeman and his colleagues. The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be immediately brought to justice. Peace must be restored and dialogue in the interests of all communities must continue," wrote Davenport on the X platform.
Tamar Ziv, Ambassador of the State of Israel in Kosovo, reacted after the killing of a policeman and the wounding of two Kosovo policemen. "Deepest condolences to the family of the Kosovo Police Sergeant who was killed in the line of duty this morning in Zvecan. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured policemen", she wrote on Facebook.
Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “We condemn the attack this morning (24 September) in the village of Banjska in the Serb-majority Zvečan municipality in the north of Kosovo, which resulted in the loss of life of one Kosovo police officer and injury of other Kosovo police officers. We wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Our Embassy in Pristina also issued a statement condemning the attack. In order to reduce the tension in the region and prevent escalation, it is imperative that all parties act with restraint and refrain from violence. Dialogue is the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in Kosovo and the region. As Türkiye, we will continue to support the dialogue process.”
Albanian Prime Minister Rama: “The tragedy of the loss of life of a Kosovo police officer is the biggest alarm bell to date on the continuing risk of escalation of the protracted crisis in an armed conflict. Criminals who took the life of an innocent man serving under the state uniform of the law enforcement of the Republic of Kosovo must be brought to justice. The Euro-Atlantic community must gather all its imposing force and sit Kosovo and Serbia at the normalization dialogue table without return. The call for an extraordinary peace conference, under the supervision and guarantee of the European Union and the United States, and simultaneously taking all extraordinary measures with KFOR, to prevent further escalation of the situation, are a strategic necessity not only for the security and order in Kosovo today, but also for the peace and future of the region tomorrow, Before the prolonged crisis in northern Kosovo gets out of control and turns into a destabilizing fire for the entire region.”
Albanian President Bajram Begaj condemned the attack on the Kosovo police saying that the criminal act is a violation of the order and security of the Republic of Kosovo. "I call on the international community to react decisively to the orderers and implementers of this extremely serious act for the stability of Kosovo and peace in the Western Balkans region … "In these moments, calmness, prudence and close cooperation with KFOR and allies are needed more than ever. Albania is always in support of Kosovo,” Begaj said.
Albanian Foreign Minister Igli Hasani said the attack was a criminal act and that Albania is by Kosovo's side in difficult times. "We strongly condemn the armed attack against the Police and the state of Kosovo. Our condolences to the family of the Police officer who lost his life in the line of duty and speedy recovery to the injured officer. Today's criminal act is a threat to the security and stability of our region and the perpetrators must face justice as soon as possible. Albania is by Kosovo's side in these difficult moments that require composure, in close cooperation with allies and partners.” Hasani said.
European Parliament’s Rapporteur for Kosovo, Viola von Cramon: “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the violent attack on the Kosovo Police and express my full solidarity with the people of Kosovo. The orchestrated attack on the legitimate police force is absolutely unacceptable whose perpetrators must be brought to justice.” See full post at: https://shorturl.at/lqtG1
EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajcak, said after the attack in the north of Kosovo, where one Police officer was killed and two others injured that everyone should immediately return to the dialogue. "I strongly condemn the terrible attack against the Kosovo police last night. Violence of any form is absolutely unacceptable. My heart goes out to the victims, their families and colleagues. The perpetrators must be brought to justice. Everyone should return to the dialogue immediately", he wrote on the "X" platform.
European Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, has strongly condemned the attack against the Kosovo Police. He ordered that the violence should stop immediately. "We support the work of EULEX and KFOR in the field and call for a full investigation", ordered Varhelyi. The European commissioner for enlargement, at the same time, consoled the family of the murdered policeman, while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
North Macedonia Foreign Minister, Bujar Osmani, has condemned the killing of a policeman in the north of Kosovo. “I strongly condemn the killing of a policeman in the north of the Republic of Kosovo. My heart goes out to his family and colleagues. Full support for justice by bringing the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice. Acts of violence will not harm the stability of Kosovo. Citizens' safety in the first place,” he said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro has announced that Montenegro strongly condemns the attack on the Kosovo police and has appealed for the de-escalation of tensions. "We appeal for the de-escalation of tensions and support the work of the European Union Mission for the Rule of Law in Kosovo (EULEX) and NATO's KFOR in the field. We call for a full investigation", declared the Foreign Ministry of Montenegro.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland strongly condemns the terrible attack on the Kosovo Police. "The MFA of Switzerland calls for calm and restraint, those responsible for this terrible act of violence must be brought to justice,” the Ministry said.
Edward P. Joseph, foreign policy analyst: Extremely serious developments in Kosovo – and test of US commitment in the Balkans. Encouraged by U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo Hovenier’s swift, fact-based response to killing of Kosovo Police Officer. My question: what will be the stance of US Embassy Belgrade? My suggestion: …” see post at: https://shorturl.at/wIQ79
Special Prosecutor's Office: Six arrested in north suspected of terrorism, we seized a lot of weapons (media)
The Special Prosecutor's Office of Kosovo has announced that six people have been detained in the terrorist attack that took place in the village of Banjska in the municipality of Zvecan.
The prosecution announced that from Sunday's action of the Kosovo Police, vehicles filled with significant amounts of weapons of various types have been seized.
“The Special Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kosovo (SPORK) informs the public that since receiving the first information about the attack that took place this morning, in the village of Banjske in the municipality of Zvecan, the prosecutor of the SPORK went to the scene of the incident to oversee today's action.
The Special Prosecutor's Office also announces that during today's action of the Kosovo Police, six (6) people involved in the attack on the Kosovo Police were detained for the criminal offenses "Serious offenses against the constitutional order and security of the Republic of Kosovo" by article 126 related to "Attack against the constitutional order of the Republic of Kosovo" from article 114, "Preparation of terrorist acts or criminal offenses against the constitutional order and security of the Republic of Kosovo" from article 138 related to article 129 and "Unauthorized ownership, control or possession of weapons'' from article 366 paragraph 1 of the SPRK.
Also, from today's action of the Kosovo Police, vehicles filled with significant amounts of weapons of various types were seized.
The Special Prosecutor's Office expresses its condolences to the family of the murdered policeman, while wishing the injured policemen in this action a speedy recovery.
SPRK emphasizes that investigations from the scene are continuing in cooperation and coordination with all relevant responsible institutions.
By decision of the Prosecutor of the Special Prosecution, the detainees are sent to detention for 48 hours,” the announcement reads.
Minister: Exceptionally large amounts of weapons found inside monastery (media)
Kosovo Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla told reporters after the end of the police operation on Sunday that inside the Banjska Monastery members of Kosovo Police “found an exceptionally large amounts of heavy weapons, anti-infantry weapons, explosives, uniforms, logistics, food reserves, and equipment for barricades, and we can easily say that the equipment was destined for several hundreds of other assailants. Preparations were made to carry out mass attacks against the Kosovo Police, the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, and to seriously threaten the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Kosovo. They failed thanks to the unreserved engagement and the sacrifice of Kosovo Police … This is a terrorist group, being that they were involved in terrorist acts. Some of them have already been identified as members of the Civil Protection, which the Kosovo institutions declared a terrorist organisation”.
Svecla said “six assailants were arrested, two of them wounded, in uniform and armed, another four persons that were supporting the assailants through radios, and at least three killed assailants”. The killed assailants are being identified.
Asked if any assailants managed to escape from the Banjska Monastery, Svecla said “the operation where they are operating is wider. This is all I can say”.
Svecla said that the majority of the vehicles used by the assailants “came directly from Belgrade”.
Kurti on terrorist attack: Politically, financially supported by Belgrade (media)
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti spoke on Sunday evening about the attacks in Banjska of Zvecan. He said that from what he has learned so far, it is about a mercenary structure which has been politically and financially captured by the official Belgrade. "We hope that this will be the last in this difficult path for law and justice", said Kurti.
Asked about the number of those arrested, he said that it is the Kosovo Police that informs about the data from the field. "We have several wounded, and 3 of them are killed, and also arrested. The following process will give us data on who exactly these are and who are the order givers of this failed attempt to destabilize the Republic of Kosovo", said Kurti.
"From what we have learned so far, it is about a terrorist and criminal formation that has long planned what they have done today... It is about a mercenary structure that has been supported, politically and financially, by official Belgrade," he said.
Raska-Prizren Diocese said armed persons were moving in monastery yard (Koha)
The Diocese of Raska-Prizren has said that armed masked persons were inside the courtyard of the Banjska Monastery, while gunshots were also heard from time to time. The diocese has said that it strongly condemns the attack in the morning, where police sergeant Afrim Bunjaku was killed, while police officer Alban Rashiti was injured.
"This is a serious incident with potentially far-reaching implications. Therefore, it is imperative to take all necessary actions to maintain peace and order. The diocese expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased policeman and sincerely hopes for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Diocese is deeply concerned, as according to reports, a masked armed group penetrated inside the gates of the Monastery, using an armored vehicle. Currently, a group of believers from Novi Sad, including Abbot Danilo, as well as the brotherhood of the Monastery, are inside. For safety, they were locked in the dormitory, and the monastery temple was also closed. Masked gunmen move through the courtyard and occasional gunshots are heard. The Diocese strongly condemns the open violence that is being exercised in the religious facility of the Serbian Orthodox Church, calling on all parties to end the conflict as soon as possible", the Diocese's response stated.
Kurti: At least 30 heavily armed people under siege of our forces (media)
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, said after the attacks on Sunday at a press conference that the attacks in the area where the police officer was killed in the north are still continuing.
Kurti has said that it is a terrorist attack, saying that organized crime with "political, financial and logistical support from official Belgrade is attacking our country".
"There are at least 30 heavily armed people, professionals, military and police, who are under the siege of our police forces and whom I invite to surrender to our security bodies".
He said that the formation with these "professional" people is in and around the Monastery in Banjska. While showing some pictures on the screen, Kurti said that ‘no local Serb residents and no other civilians in the Republic of Kosovo posses such vehicles".
"Our security bodies and the prosecutor's office will certainly conduct investigations to understand more about these uniforms."
"I call on all of them, both as a formation and as individuals, to surrender to the security authorities, which have set up a perimeter around them in Banjska".
During the conference, Kurti emphasized that it is very important that this situation be concluded in a calm manner.
At the media conference, Prime Minister Kurti was accompanied by the Deputy Director of the Kosovo Police, Fehmi Hoti.
Asked if there is a possibility that members of the Russian mercenary group Wagner have infiltrated the north of Kosovo, deputy director Fehmi Hoti said that nothing has been proven.
"As for the Wagner group, we had information even earlier, we had information that individuals of the Wagner group are moving or may move, or may attack. All have been addressed. But so far we do not have anything argued, proven. You know the courts require everything documented. Therefore, we treated them and are treating them as information ".
President Osmani: An attack on Kosovo (RTK)
The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, said that the killing of a policeman in the north in the early hours of Sunday and the wounding of the other two was planned and orchestrated by Serbian criminal gangs.
"The killing of a policeman and the wounding of the other two policemen in the north of Kosovo, planned, orchestrated and executed by Serbian criminal gangs, is an attack on law and order in the north of the country, it is an attack on Kosovo. These attacks prove once again the destabilizing power of criminal gangs, organized by Serbia, which for a long time, as has been proven with the attacks on KFOR members, journalists and citizens, are aiming to destabilize Kosovo and the region. Organized attacks against the law enforcement forces of the Republic of Kosovo are attacks against the sovereignty of the Republic of Kosovo," Osmani wrote on Facebook.
Svecla's ultimatum: Last warning to surrender (media)
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Svecla, reacted after Sunday's events in the North, where one policeman was killed and another was injured.
He said that the police units of Kosovo that were in the North, where they were facing armed criminal groups, "from time to time are being attacked with firearms from different positions, by organized and heavily armed groups".
"A number of them are barricaded inside the monastery in Banjska according to the official statements of the Diocese of Raske-Prizren", he wrote, adding that "these terrorists are surrounded by police units and it is high time they surrender".
After the attacks of criminal groups in the early hours of Monday morning in the North, one policeman was killed, while another was injured.
Svecla announced that the attack has come and "is still continuing from prepared professional units with a composition of over 30 people, uniformed, masked and militarily equipped with armored vehicles and heavy weapons of various types".
"The source of the gun attacks is the monastery in Banjska of Zvecan and around".
In the end, he expressed his condolences to the family of Sergeant Afrim Bunjaku and all members of the Kosovo Police.
"In these difficult moments we stand together and strongly by their side", he concluded.
Police: Arrested two terrorists and four others, situation tense, under control (media)
The Kosovo Police said in a press release on Sunday evening an announcement about the terrorist attack in Banjska, where they announced that they have arrested two terrorists and four others involved. The police said that the situation continues to be tense, but that they have it under control.
“As a result of the dedication and commitment of the relevant police units, the second attacker, who was also in military uniform and armed with long guns and ammunition, was arrested within the security perimeter.
So far, according to information from the field, three attackers have been killed, two attackers and four suspects have been arrested who were found in illegal possession of radio communications, and who are suspected of being related to a terrorist group.
In the late hours, the intensity of attacks on police officials has decreased, but the security situation still continues to be tense, while police units during the control in some locations, residential buildings and in some vehicles that were used by the terrorist group to block roads, including the vehicles that were around the monastery in Banjska, found a full arsenal of weapons.
According to the initial information, we are talking about hundreds of weapons of different types and calibers, uniforms and logistical equipment, including heavy caliber military weapons such as grenades, guns, machine guns, Kalashnikovs, etc. found.
The Kosovo Police under the leadership of the prosecutor of the Special Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kosovo, in coordination with EULEX and KFOR, have entered the follow-up facilities of the Banjska monastery, for the performance of official duties,” the announcement reads.
Svecla: Kosovo Police has territory under control (media)
Kosovo’s Minister of the Interior, Xhela Svecla, visited on Sunday evening the scene, where one Kosovo policeman was killed, and another was injured. He announced that after that, the Kosovo Police officials, thanks to their professionalism, brought the entire territory under control.
"After that, the response of the Kosovo police officers was immediate, professional, for a relatively short time, they put this whole territory under control, it was done after a number of battles, where we had another officer slightly injured".
"In this case, we also have six arrested, two of them wounded in armed uniform and four others with radio connections, and at least three attackers killed for whom the identification procedure is being carried out".
"The Kosovo police have discovered an extraordinary amount of heavy explosive infantry weapons, logistics, food and equipment for barricades, we can freely say that they were equipment for several hundred other attackers".
"An activity of such magnitude would not be possible without the state of Serbia, Vucic and his people"
"In the following hours and days, I will present all the equipment and everyone will be convinced that such an action is impossible without the support of someone else, which is Vucic and the state of Serbia"
"Some of those identified are part of the Civil Defense, some of the machinery came from Serbia with registrations from Belgrade, there are also Russian documents found in the cars", Svecla said on RTK.
"Our investigations continue, we still have many police officers there on duty. Some of them are investigating the circumstances of the case, some are securing the area. I believe that in the coming days we will continue to comb the field. There are indications that the death toll on their side may be even higher. We will find out and verify these in time", Svecla told RTK.
He further said that the Kosovo Police is working to solve the case.
"We are working on all those discovered materials that are numerous. We are talking about weapons, for several hundred individuals. The plan was for more, these terrorists managed to leave a colleague without, they have failed in the operational and political plan", he said.
KFOR: We’re closely monitoring situation, ready to intervene if necessary (Reporteri)
NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo (KFOR) reacted after the killing of a member of the Kosovo Police and the wounding of two others in the north of Kosovo. KFOR have said that they are closely monitoring the situation in Banjska and that KFOR troops are present in that part and ready to respond if the need arises.
In response, it is further stated that the Kosovo Police, as the first responder, has the primary responsibility for the management of the incident on the ground.
"The KFOR commander is in close and continuous contact with all international stakeholders, including the EU, the Chief of Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces and the institutions in Kosovo, and is working intensively to find a solution. The NATO-led KFOR mission strongly condemns the attack against the Kosovo Police and sends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased," the statement said.
IMC calls on media for accurate and impartial reporting (media)
Kosovo’s Independent Media Commission (IMC) issued the following statement on Sunday:
The Independent Media Commission urges all media to be careful with news reporting related to the situation in the north of the country, created after the attack on Kosovo Police by unknown persons, where one police officer is dead and another remains injured as a result of an attack near the bridge in the village of Banjska.
MC appeals to Albanian and Serbian media licensed to KPM to adhere to the Code of Ethics and that the reporting be accurate, impartial and based on facts. They should not be broadcasting material they know or should know is false or fraudulent. The media are obliged to immediately correct any published information that has been found to be incorrect.
Media executives must take all necessary measures to protect the safety and independence of their journalists from any political or financial influence, including media owners.
IMC urged the media to respect the right to privacy of individuals. Those affected by tragedy or grief should be treated with empathy, respect and maturity, respecting their complete privacy.
The IMC sends its most sincere condolences to the family of the killed policeman and wishes the injured policemen a speedy recovery.
Attacker on police treated in Prishtina, surgical intervention is expected (media)
The director of the Emergency Clinic at the Kosovo University Clinical Center (KUCC), Naser Syla, has stated that one of the people who participated in the attack on the Kosovo Police is being treated at this clinic and is expected to enter the operating room.
He told the media on Thursday that he is currently the only person sent to KUCC for treatment, adding that after the surgical intervention, it will be decided where he will be transferred.
"He is expected to enter the hall. Afterwards, the treatment will continue in one of the clinics. At the moment we do not have any other information, this is the only one that has been brought... There will be a surgical intervention and then it will be decided", he added.
The attacker was transferred from Mitrovica Hospital to Prishtina Hospital.
Opposition political parties react to killing of Kosovo policeman (media)
The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) said that ‘the terrorist attack on the Kosovo Police and the killing of a police officer on duty are attacks on the Republic of Kosovo and the Constitutional order itself’.
"On behalf of the Democratic League of Kosovo, I expressed my deepest condolences to the family of the murdered policeman. I wish the injured policeman, Alban Rashiti, a speedy recovery", Abdixhiku wrote.
"In these difficult moments for the country, we are all with the Kosovo Police. We are with our sons and daughters on duty in the north. The attacks of criminal and terrorist gangs with an address from Belgrade cannot repel Kosovo from the right to establish order, legality and its sovereignty. The institutions of law and order, bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice as soon as possible".
"In these difficult moments, Kosovo needs friends and allies. With them, together, we will overcome every challenge", Abdixhiku said.
The leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Memli Krasniqi, has said that Sunday's attack in the village of Banjske in the north is a direct attack on the state of Kosovo.
"I am shocked by the news about the killing of a member of the Kosovo Police and the wounding of another, today in the northern part of Kosovo. I express my deepest condolences to the family of the policeman who fell in the line of duty, while I wish the injured policeman a speedy recovery. Today, in this moment of pain, we stand united in support of our policemen, who, despite the daily challenges of attacks by criminal gangs controlled by Belgrade, are protecting state sovereignty in the northern part of our state. I invite everyone to strongly condemn this criminal attack against the Kosovo Police, which is a direct attack against the state of Kosovo. I request from the responsible bodies to commence full investigations as soon as possible and that those responsible are brought to justice to receive the deserved punishments. At the same time, I appeal to all citizens for vigilance and restraint, because the escalation of the situation in the north of our country suits only Serbia and the criminal gangs under its control. Likewise, I invite Kosovo's international partners to clearly condemn the attack and urgently ask Serbia to stop interfering in Kosovo's territory and further provoking the situation", Krasniqi wrote.
Ramush Haradinaj, leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) wrote ‘shocked by the murder of a member of the Kosovo Police and the wounding, which happened in the early hours of the morning in the village of Banjske in Zvecan!
This terrorist attack is a serious blow to peace and stability not only in Kosovo but also in the region! Belgrade must urgently give up its destabilizing and warmongering actions with unpredictable consequences not only for Kosovo but also for Serbia. Much has been invested in peace and no one will be allowed to jeopardize it.
I invite our law enforcement agencies to coordinate actions with KFOR and our American-leaning security allies, and to take all the necessary actions to clarify this whole situation and bring those responsible for this act to justice. Order and law have no alternative!
Condolences to the family of the policeman who lost his life and speedy recovery to the injured policeman!’
Serbian Language Media
Vucic condemns killing of Kosovo policeman, blames “Kurti’s terror“ for escalation (N1, media)
Serbian President, Aleksandar Vucic strongly condemned the killing of a Kosovo police officer, adding that there is no justification for it. However, he said that the incident was caused by Serbs revolting because they "do not want to suffer under (Albin) Kurti's terror anymore" and that it was only a matter of time before something like this happens, N1 reports.
“I don’t want to justify the killing of an Albanian policeman, nor is it possible to justify it. That is absolutely reprehensible“, he said.
He then added that the only culprit for everything that is happening in Kosovo and Metohija is Albin Kurti, “although he also has the help of those from the international community”.
“Albin Kurti is the only one who wants conflicts and war, his life’s desire is to drag us into conflicts with NATO“, emphasized Vucic.
At the beginning of his address, he said that it is one of the most difficult days for Serbia since 2004 and 2008. He apologized for not being able to address the public earlier in the day because it was necessary to determine what was happening in Kosovo and make appropriate decisions.
He also accused Kosovo police of not wanting to provide timely medical assistance to one of the wounded attackers they captured. Citing, as he said, intercepted conversation between Albanian police officers, Vucic said that “the question remains if one person survived, because they did not want to provide medical help to him. We have audio recordings where Albanian police officers were laughing and saying they had no reason to help him, so let him die”.
Key points of Vucic’s address
- Two killed persons are from Mitrovica North, and we express condolences to their families, and to the family of the killed Kosovo police officer,
- Serbia will never recognize Kosovo, you can kill us all,
- We will make decisions carefully and inform people in Kosovo and Metohija about them,
- Albin Kurti wants to drag us into conflict with NATO,
- Church is not involved in any way,
- Murder of a police officer is for condemnation, and something that nobody needed, the least Serbian people,
- Everything was prepared, in one hour and 20 minutes Pristina deployed 460 special police officers,
- Three Serbs are killed, there is a fear that fourth one died as well,
- The most difficult day for our people and our country since 2004 and 2008.
Raska-Prizren Eparchy: Currently, there is sense of calm at Banjska monastery, but overwhelming unease and concern linger among monks and pilgrims (media, social media, Eparchy’s webpage) The Raska-Prizren Diocese (SOC) informs the public that the situation at the Banjska monastery is presently stable, though apprehension remains due to today’s events both in the vicinity and within the monastery’s gates, reads the statement issued last night. The armed individuals who breached the gate earlier today have left the premises, and there is now a presence of Kosovo police and EULEX at the entrance and within the monastery’s courtyard, the Eparchy said last night.Inside the monastery’s residence, the Abbot, along with other monks and a group of pilgrims from Novi Sad, including two minors, remain. Monastery officials report that everyone is currently safe, and regular worship services continue in the residence’s chapel, with hopes that this ordeal will soon come to an end.
KoSSev also reported that in addition to Kosovo and EULEX police, head of EULEX Giovanni Pietro Barbano was also in the monastery’s yard.
KoSSev also said that in the course of today police would take statements from those present in the monastery about yesterday’s events and that they are expected to leave to central Serbia afterwards.
Armed masked persons breached locked gate of Banjska Monastery during yesterday’s armed clashes, Eparchy expressed condolences to family of killed police officer (KoSSev, media, social media)
KoSSev portal and other Serbian media reported yesterday, citing the statement of Raska-Prizren Eparchy that a group of armed, masked men, breached the locked monastery’s gate with an armored vehicle and entered the yard. At that moment, in addition to the Abbot of the monastery, Father Danilo and brotherhood, pilgrims from Novi Sad with a priest who were visiting the monastery, were also there. They locked themselves in the guest house and the monastery was locked as well because of their safety.
In an urgent statement issued on the incident Raska-Prizren Diocese (SOC) said “it vehemently condemns the attack that took place this morning in northern Kosovo near the village of Banjska, where one Kosovo police officer was reportedly killed and two others injured.
This is a grave incident with potentially far-reaching implications. Therefore, it's imperative to take all necessary actions to maintain peace and order.
The Diocese expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased officer and sincerely hopes for the prompt recovery of the injured.
The Diocese is profoundly concerned as, according to recent reports, an armed group in masks breached the monastery's gates using an armored vehicle.
Presently, a group of worshipers from Novi Sad, including the priest, Abbot Danilo, and monastery brethren, are inside. For their safety, the monastery community and worshippers have locked themselves inside the residence, and the monastery's church is also secured. Armed and masked individuals are reportedly moving around the premises with occasional gunfire being heard.
The Diocese in vehemently denounces the blatant violence being enacted within the religious facility of the Serbian Orthodox Church and urges all parties to immediately cease hostilities”, the statement said.
KoSSev portal on reports of Pristina-based media about monastery and situation there
KoSSev portal also reported that some Kosovo media since early hours yesterday published photos of Banjska monastery with allegations that “attackers barricade themselves in the monastery”, including the photos from Google maps to mark a location from where, according to them, shooting against Kosovo police occurred, linking it with the monastery.
"This is the place believed that in it an ambush was made by the attackers who killed the Kosovo policeman in the north (...). It is suspected that they barricaded themselves inside the monastery in Banjska, where they also shot at the police", Pristina-based media Klan Kosova, Bota Sot, Jepi i ze said in their reports, KoSSev reported.
The Kossev portal also said it received information from church circles close to the monastery on the morning of the incident, however, that this were fake news. Moreover, the situation then, as the source told the portal, was the opposite, and the monastery closed the gate.
"There are no attackers, nor were there any. Yesterday, a group of about 50 believers from Novi Sad arrived at the monastery with their priest. They are still there, everything is blocked so they cannot leave the monastery, they are terrified. They were woken up this morning around 2 by strong detonations, there was a lot of shooting from the surrounding hills, everything was shaking", source stated early yesterday morning.
Later on, during the day, a group of armed and masked attackers breached the locked monastery’s gate and entered its yard, while the brotherhood and pilgrims locked themselves inside the guest house for safety reasons.
Djuric blames Kurti for preparing ground for yesterday’s incidents (media, social media)
Serbian Ambassador to US, Marko Djuric said Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti bears responsibility for “yesterday’s bloodshed in northern Kosovo”.
“Albin Kurti bears responsibility for today’s bloodshed in the North of Kosovo. Serbia unequivocally condemns the violence in which at least four Serbs and one Kosovo Albanian were murdered (at least two Serbs were murdered by sniper fire) and calls for urgent action by the international community”, Djuric wrote in a post on “X” (former Twitter)
“My sincere condolences to the victims’ families and everyone affected by this tragedy. Bloodshed in the North of Kosovo is a tragedy that could and should have been prevented. Albin Kurti’s irresponsible policies have set the stage for today's tragedy. Kurti’s regime has 1) deployed his monoethnic special forces in the north of Kosovo outside any existing agreement, and ordered them to engage in a reign of terror; 2) publicly renounced the dialogue and its results; 3) forced the Serbs out of Kosovo police and other institutions by continuously violating their rights and existing agreements; 4) forcefully installed illegitimate mayors in all Northern municipalities against the will of the local population; 5) Kurti's regime and his extremists have engaged in more than 61 illegal raids into Serb majority areas, caused or perpetrated 51 ethnically motivated incidents and conducted 22 major escalatory moves.
Over the past six months seven Serb civilians have been shot by Kurti's forces, including children.
While there can be no justification for violence by any side, it should be perfectly clear who bears the responsibility. Kurti's bloody circus in the north of Kosovo should be stopped immediately before more innocent lives are lost”, Djuric said.
Brnabic: International community gave Kurti a wind at his back for disaster in northern Kosovo (RTS, TV Pink)
Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti is the only one to blame for the disaster that happened in the north of Kosovo, and that the lack of reactions from the EU and the USA to the threats he made against the Serbs in Brussels after the rejection of the de-escalation plan gave Kurti a wind at his back.
She added that anyone who listened carefully to the speech of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at UN GA session, in addition to the fact that he said this at all meetings, could also hear his warning that it was completely possible and certain that such a conflict could occur in Kosovo.
The President, she recalled, also mentioned in his speech that after rejecting the proposal for de-escalation in Brussels, Albin Kurti appeared before one of the most important institutions in Brussels and said that “the Serbs must suffer and pay”.
"No one looked back at that statement, no one from the EU or the USA. No one said anything when Kurti from Brussels threatened the Serbs that they would suffer and pay", Brnabic said.
"To me it is a wind at his back", she added.
She also said that the incident which took place in northern Kosovo, is “a life dream that came true” for Albin Kurti.
Serbian opposition parties accuse Kurti of carrying out ethnic cleansing in Kosovo (Radio KIM)
Serbian opposition party Zavetnici (Oath Keepers), Dveri Movement and Movement for Defence of Kosovo and Metohija in a joint press release expressed strong concerns for the safety of Serbs following the latest deterioration of the situation in northern Kosovo, Radio KIM reports.
In a statement they said that “representatives of the fake state of Kosovo, headed by Albin Kurti, for long time and continuously carry out attacks against the Serbs in four Serb-majority municipalities in northern Kosovo and Metohija – Kosovska Mitrovica, Leposavic, Zubin Potok and Zvecan”.
“In support of this speaks information from the ground that separatist authorities in Pristina declared those four municipalities a zone of anti-terrorist operations. It is obvious that this way they want to carry out new repression against Serbs, arrest them, mistreat them and carry out ethnic cleansing”, the joint statement reads.
They also requested Serbian state authorities to demand the return of the Serbian military and security forces in Kosovo in line with UN SC Resolution 1244.
Entry to Banjska village still forbidden (Tanjug)
It is not possible to exit or enter the village of Banjska in Zvecan municipality yet, after an armed incident that broke out in this village, in which three Serbs and a member of Kosovo police were killed, Tanjug news agency reported.
As Tanjug reporter was told at the police checkpoint at the entry to the village, forensic teams were still on the ground and after they completed the investigation the situation would be normalized.
All three access roads to the village, from Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Mitrovica-Leposavic highway remain blocked.
Six persons arrested in northern Kosovo sent to 48-hour detention (KoSSev)
Pristina Special Prosecution said that six persons arrested in northern Kosovo were sent to 48-hour detention. They confirmed previous statements of Kosovo police that six persons “who took part in the attacks on Kosovo police” were arrested.
As the statement said they are accused of “serious acts against constitutional order and security in Kosovo, including attacks against constitutional order, preparation of terrorist acts or criminal acts that run contrary to the constitutional order and security in Kosovo and relate to unauthorized ownership, control or possession of weapons”.
The prosecution also said a “significant” amount of weapons of various types were confiscated in the action.
SRSG Ziadeh condemns incident in northern Kosovo in which Kosovo police officer was killed (Kosovo Online, Radio KIM)
Head of UNMIK and Special Representative of Secretary General (SRSG) Caroline Ziadeh expressed condolences for the loss of life of a Kosovo police officer and condemned the incident in which that happened, Kosovo Online portal reports.
“The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of UNMIK, Caroline Ziadeh expresses her deep sorrow and condolences for the loss of life of a Kosovo police officer, and unequivocally condemns this tragic incident in the strongest terms.
She calls for the preparators to be held accountable and wishes the injured officers swift recovery.
UNMIK is closely monitoring the situation and urges all parties to exercise restraint”, reads the statement.
Serbian media also reported that a number of high international officials, ambassadors and heads of international organizations in Kosovo condemned the incident.
Lazarevic on incident in northern Kosovo (N1)
KoSSev portal Editor-in-Chief Tanja Lazarevic as a guest speaker told N1 last night she is certain that Quint representatives spoke with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and not only with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
“Also, no matter how much Pristina is saying that those (attackers) are military-police forces, I believe those are neither regular police members nor the army members. They can wear some uniforms and pretend something, but I am convinced that a “hotline” is open all day long between Belgrade and NATO and all Quint states”, she said.
She said this situation does not suit Serbian people and Raska-Prizren Eparchy, but also it does not suit Kosovo police officers working in the north and risking their lives.
”This must not suit Serbia and Kosovo either, but unfortunately the reality often refutes us. I believe there are evil forces whom this suits and which do not want stabilization of Kosovo, and of an entire Balkans. They can be in Kosovo, Belgrade, in the region and beyond it”, she said.
Grenell: Kurti’s unilateral actions are not justification for violence (Kosovo Online, social media)
Former US presidential envoy for Belgrade-Pristina talks Richard Grenell condemned the violence in northern Kosovo, adding those responsible must be prosecuted, Kosovo Online portal reports.
In a post on “X” social network (former Twitter) Grenell said that the world condemned Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti for his unilateral actions that aimed in stoking the violence, but that this, however, can not be justification for the events yesterday.
“The world has condemned @albinkurti for his unilateral actions in stoking violence and making unilateral decisions. His failure to launch elections, create the Serbian Municipalities and withdraw special forces is no excuse for violence.
We condemn all violence. It is never acceptable. And those responsible must be fully prosecuted”, he wrote in a post.
Von Cramon: Urgent de-escalation needed and reinforcement of KFOR (Radio KIM)
The European Parliament Rapporteur for Kosovo Viola von Cramon in the strongest terms condemned the attack on Kosovo police and expressed full solidarity with people in Kosovo, Radio KIM reports.
“An urgent de-escalation is needed, including strong deployment of KFOR and reinforcement across northern Kosovo. Potential involvement of Serbian structures (from Belgrade) must be investigated and an imperative is to undertake all necessary steps for maintaining peace and order (...)”, she said.
Gashi: Current situation consequence of Kurti’s failures in north (Kosovo Online)
Analyst Dardan Gashi said the action of Kosovo police in Banjska village in the north of Kosovo was appropriate, but that an entire situation was created as a consequence of one-year failures by Albin Kurti’s government, Kosovo Online portal reports citing Dukadjini media outlet.
“In Serbia there were no reactions as usual. It is clear this is about a criminal, terrorist group that attempted to intrude here. This situation is a consequence of one-year Kurti’s failures in the north. Today's action was appropriate (…)”, Gashi said.
He added that under “normal circumstances” someone’s responsibility must be sought.
Demhasaj: Statements of officials in situations as this one must be careful (Kosovo Online)
Analyst Arton Demhasaj commenting on the attack against Kosovo police in the north said officials must be careful in their statements in situations such as this one, Kosovo Online portal reports.
“Those that came, came prepared and with intention to destabilize the north. But statements of the officials, should be careful, it can not be that official persons present wrong numbers”, he told Teve 1.
In this regard, he added, Prime Minister Albin Kurti first said it was about an armed group of 30 persons, and then the interior minister, as he said, made the verdict that those were Serbian and Russian soldiers.
“When you go out and present figures, that 30 people take part in the action, it means 30 potential terrorists there. We speak about three killed persons, six arrested, then six others more…Then, the chief of cabinet of Glauk Konjufca said that weapons were confiscated in the monastery….”, he said.
Telekom Srbija wins appeal against ban in Kosovo (Tanjug, media)
The Pristina authorities have accepted a Telekom Srbija appeal against a decision of Kosovo business registration agency to erase MTS doo - a Telekom Srbija daughter company - from its registry and ban its operations in Kosovo, Tanjug reported.
Telekom Srbija CEO Vladimir Lucic told Tanjug on August 30 his company had appealed the decision and that he expected a positive outcome.
Incident at playground in Mikronaselje, KP: A boy showed knives to other children, he has been questioned and knives confiscated (KoSSev)
Shortly before 6:00 p.m. on Saturday night an incident occurred among children at the playground in Mikro naselje settlement in North Mitrovica, when a 14-year-old reportedly threatened other children with knives. While Serbian sources state that an ethnic Albanian attacked Serbian children, the Kosovo police, without specifying the ethnicity, denied that the minor attacked other children, claiming that he actually just showed them knives, after which the children got scared and ran away home.
“Approximately at 5:50 p.m. today, in Mikronaselje settlement in North Mitrovica, children of N.O. were attacked playing on the playground. A person of Albanian ethnicity took out two knives and attacked the Serb children, all while yelling out menacing threats. The children managed to escape to a nearby building“, Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director Petar Petkovic said in a statement.
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