A Kosovo policeman was killed early Sunday morning in a shooting in the village of Banjska in the north of Kosovo, the Kosovo police confirmed.
23:09 DPS: We condemn the escalation of violence in Kosovo, the lack of courage and integrity of the Government and this time it has brought down the country
The Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) condemns the escalation of violence in Kosovo and the terrorist attack on the Kosovo police, the party announced.
More on that HERE
23:08 Brnabić: The blood of the Albanian policeman is on the hands of Kurti
The Prime Minister of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, said today that the blood of the Albanian policeman who died in the conflict in Kosovo is on the hands of the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Aljbin Kurti, and that the man would not be dead if it were not for his policies.
She also stated that a large part of the responsibility lies with the international community.
"Albanian lives are not important to Kurti either. Something like this could have happened any day, at any time. None of us here can imagine how it is for the Serbs in the north of Kosovo, they suffer constant systemic humiliation and terror," she said. Brnabić on Pink TV.
22:27A certain measure of police detention for six people suspected of attacking the police in Kosovo
The Special Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kosovo (STRK) announced tonight that a measure of police detention of up to 48 hours has been determined for six people suspected of the attack in which one police officer was killed.
The SPRK stated that since receiving the first information about the attack that took place this morning in the village of Banjske in the municipality of Zvečan, the prosecutor of the SPRK came out to supervise today's action.
"The Special Prosecutor's Office also announces that during today's action by the Kosovo Police, six persons were detained who participated in the attack on the Kosovo Police for the crimes of 'serious crimes against the constitutional order and security of the Republic of Kosovo', 'attack on the constitutional order of the Republic of Kosovo', 'preparation of terrorist acts or criminal acts against the constitutional order and security of the Republic of Kosovo' and 'unauthorized ownership, control or possession of weapons' of the Criminal Code of Kosovo," the statement added.
Also, from today's action of the Kosovo police, vehicles were seized in which there was a significant amount of weapons of various types.
The announcement states that on-site investigations continue in cooperation and coordination with all relevant competent institutions.
By the decision of the prosecutor of the Special Prosecutor's Office, detainees were detained for up to 48 hours.
The Special Prosecutor's Office expressed its condolences to the family of the murdered policeman, and wishes the policemen injured in this action a speedy recovery.
22:17 Kosovo Police: Arrested another person in military uniform and armed with long pipes
The Kosovo Police announced this evening that due to the dedication and efforts of the competent police units, another attacker was arrested within the security perimeter, who was also in military uniform and armed with long guns and ammunition.
"In the late hours, the intensity of attacks on police officers decreased, but the security situation is still tense, while police units found an arsenal of weapons during the control of certain locations, residential buildings and in certain vehicles around the monastery in Banjska," it was stated. was announced by the Kosovo Police.
According to the first information, we are talking about finding dozens, hundreds of pieces of weapons of different types and calibers, uniforms and logistical equipment, among which are military weapons of heavy caliber such as grenades, pistols, machine guns, Kalashnikovs, zolja and others.
The police confirmed that under the direction of the prosecutor of the Special Prosecutor's Office of Kosovo, in coordination with Eulex and Kfor, they entered the supporting facilities of the Banjska monastery, in order to perform official duties.
22:16 Brnabić: Vučić warned that an armed conflict in the north of Kosovo is certain
The Prime Minister of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, said tonight that the President of the country, Aleksandar Vučić, warned in his speech at the United Nations that it is possible and certain that a conflict, such as today's in Banjska, could occur in Kosovo and Metohija.
In a guest appearance on Pink TV, she said that the only culprit for the conflict is the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Aljbin Kurti, and that this is his life's dream.
"As a country, we will try to find the best solution for the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija. The situation in which Aljbin Kurti has brought us and the silence of the international community is catastrophic. Does Kurti have carte blanche to kill people in Kosovo as he pleases," said Brnabić.
The Prime Minister added that she does not know whether at this moment it is wise and in the national interest to comment and talk about the events in the north of Kosovo and Metohija.
22:15 Monday is a day of mourning
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani declared Monday a day of national mourning in Kosovo in honor of the murdered policeman Afrim Bunjaku.
"The President of the Republic of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, in accordance with the constitutional powers, has decided that Monday, September 25, 2023, will be declared a national day of mourning in honor of the policeman Afrim Bunjaku, killed in the north of Kosovo," according to the announcement of her cabinet.
In an attack this morning on the Kosovo police near the settlement of Banjska, one member of the Kosovo police was killed and two were injured.
Another Kosovo policeman was later injured in the exchange of fire with the attackers.
The Kosovo Police officially announced that three attackers were killed, two attackers were arrested and that four people suspected of supporting the attackers were arrested, with whom radio communications were found, as well as large quantities of weapons, ammunition and various equipment.
21:07 Kurti: Serbia's failed attempt to destabilize Kosovo by attacking the Kosovo police
Kosovo Prime Minister Aljbin Kurti said tonight that the attack on members of the police in the village of Banjska, when one was killed and two were wounded, was "Serbia's attempt to destabilize Kosovo, which failed."
After lighting candles in front of the main police station in Pristina in honor of the murdered policeman Afrim Bunjaku, together with the ministers and in the presence of the American ambassador Geoffrey Hovenier, he said that members of "a mercenary structure politically and financially supported by official Belgrade" participated in the attack.
"It is about a professional terrorist and criminal formation that planned and prepared what happened today and that does not represent a smuggling gang, but a mercenary structure that is politically and financially supported by the official Belgrade," stated Kurti.
20:43 Borelj condemned the attack in Kosovo, spoke with Kurti and Vučić
After today's attack on Kosovo police officers, the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for foreign policy and security, Jozep Borelj, spoke with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, and the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, the EU announced.
Borelj strongly condemned today's attack and expressed his condolences to the family, colleagues and relatives of the policeman who lost his life on duty and wished the injured policemen a speedy recovery.
The EU High Representative also had a telephone conversation with Vučić.
"Borelj repeated his call to the attackers to surrender immediately and let the pilgrims (who are) in the Banjska monastery to leave safely. He called for the restoration of peace and stability," the announcement states.
He added that EULEX monitors the situation on the ground and is ready to support the Kosovo institutions in maintaining the stability and security of all its communities, in accordance with its mandate and in close cooperation with KFOR, while the EU special representative and head of the EU office in Kosovo is Tomas Šnujog on the ground in close contact with the authorities.
In an attack on the Kosovo police early this morning, one member of the police was killed, while two others were injured, while another policeman was injured during the day.
The police officially announced that three assailants were killed, one of the assailants was arrested, and four people suspected of supporting the assailants were arrested, with whom radio connections were found, as well as large quantities of weapons, ammunition and various equipment.
(BETA)
20:42 Vučić's address
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said tonight that, according to the state's knowledge, three Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija were killed in the village of Banjska, and that two were seriously wounded.
Vučić told reporters in Belgrade that two Serbs were killed by a sniper from a long distance, and that "there is a fear that a fourth person was also killed."
Read more about what the President of Serbia said HERE
20:15 Candles: It's safe to say that there was equipment for several hundred other attackers
The Minister of Internal Affairs of Kosovo, Dželjalj Svečlja, said that three attackers were killed in the action on Sunday in Banjska, while six people were arrested - two attackers and four who provided support via radio link.
He addressed the journalists from the north of Kosovo, noting that the search for the attackers of members of the Kosovo police continues.
Svečlja said that the Kosovo police also discovered a large amount of weapons, including explosives, uniforms, logistics, food, equipment for barricades.
"We can freely say that there was equipment for several hundred other attackers. This means that for some time they were preparing to attack the Kosovo police, the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo on a massive scale and to seriously violate the territorial integrity," Svečlja said.
He said that there is information that it is a "terrorist group".
In an interview with the Kosovo public service, Svečlja said that the attack on the Kosovo police was carried out with the support of the "state of Serbia" and directly accused Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
"We have an extremely long border line with Serbia, and the entry of these terrorists is not impossible, but their activity is now becoming impossible," said the interior minister.
"The entire territory of the country is under control," he added.
Svečlja previously said on Sunday that the monastery in the village of Banjska in the north of Kosovo is "the source of armed attacks" in the surrounding area.
In an attack in Banjska on Sunday, a Kosovo policeman was killed and some were injured.
The Kosovo Police announced that on Sunday at 2.34:XNUMX a.m. it was noticed that there were two trucks without license plates on the bridge at the entrance to the village of Banjska, blocking the passage.
"Units from Zvečan arrived near the blockade, and there they encountered resistance. Weapons were fired from several different positions, including hand grenades and hand grenades," the police announced.
(Radio Free Europe)
20:11 Candles are lit for the murdered policeman Afrim Bunjaku
Despite the heavy rain, many citizens lit candles in front of the central police station to honor the murdered policeman Afrim Bunjaku.
In addition to the Prime Minister of Kosovo Aljbin Kurti and the ministers, the American Ambassador Jeffrey Hovenier was also present, who lit candles as a sign of condolences and pain for the murdered policeman and the wounded.
The photo of Afrim Bunjaku, the policeman killed this morning in the north of the country, was placed in the Centar police station in Pristina.
In this morning's attack on the Kosovo police, one member of the police was killed, while two others were injured, while another policeman was injured during the day.
The police officially announced that three assailants were killed, one of the assailants was arrested, and four people suspected of supporting the assailants were arrested, with whom radio communications were found, as well as a large amount of weapons, ammunition and various equipment.
(BETA)
19:56 Diocese of Raško-Prizren: Armed persons who broke through the gate left the Banjska monastery, the presence of the Kosovo Police and Eulex was noticed in front of the entrance gate and in the yard
The Eparchy of Raško-Prizren of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) announced that the situation in the Banjska monastery is currently calm, although fear is still felt due to today's events both in the surroundings and in the monastery gate itself.
"The armed persons who broke through the gate today have left the monastery, and currently the presence of the Kosovo police and EULEX was noticed in front of the entrance gate and in the courtyard of the monastery. In the dormitory of the monastery there is still the abbot with the brothers, as well as a group of devotees from Novi Sad, among whom and two minor children. The management of the monastery reports that for now everyone is fine, that regular services are being held in the chapel of the lodge, in the hope that this drama will end as soon as possible," they said from the Diocese of Raško-Prizren.
19:45 MFA: Montenegro strongly condemns the attack on the Kosovo police, we appeal to the de-escalation of tensions
Montenegro strongly condemns today's attack on the Kosovo police, announced the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MVP). More on that HERE
19:24 Media: A large quantity of weapons was found inside the monastery...
A special unit of the Kosovo police entered the Banjska monastery tonight, where "an armed Serbian criminal group and dozens of pilgrims" were located, Pristina media reported.
They reported that 49 worshipers, accompanied by the police, were taken to the Regional Police station in South Mitrovica, where they will be tested for paraffin.
The media reports that a large amount of weapons were found inside the monastery, as well as inside vehicles that were located near the monastery.
In the meantime, a person who was previously arrested as a participant in the attack was identified, it is BS (1992), from North Mitrovica, who is a member of the Civil Defense.
By the way, the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo earlier today strongly and explicitly condemned today's armed attack by unidentified and heavily armed attackers on the Kosovo police.
The Church also condemned the violent intervention of armed persons in the Banjska monastery, endangering the lives of the clergy and 40 pilgrims present at the Sunday liturgy.
"Peace and order in Kosovo must be preserved and all citizens must be adequately protected," the church's response states.
In this morning's attack on the Kosovo police, one member of the police was killed and two others were injured, while another policeman was injured during the day.
The police officially announced that three assailants were killed, one of the assailants was arrested, and that four people suspected of supporting the assailants were arrested, with whom radio connections were found, as well as a large amount of weapons, ammunition and various equipment.
(BETA)
18:27 Media: A special unit of the Kosovo police entered the Banjska monastery
Today, a special unit entered the Banjska monastery, where an armed criminal group is hiding, Pristina media reports.
The Kosovapres agency, referring to its sources, reported that it is true that the Kosovo police entered the monastery and that they are now expected to complete the action within a few hours.
They did not specify whether the police entered the monastery or were in its yard.
In the morning attack on the Kosovo police, one member of the police was killed, while two others were injured, and another policeman was injured during the day.
The police officially announced that three attackers were killed, one of the attackers was arrested and that four people suspected of supporting the attackers were arrested, with radio connections found, as well as significant amounts of weapons, ammunition and various equipment.
(BETA)
18:08 Military analyst Vlade Radulović assessed in a statement for N1 that the "armored" vehicle that was used in tonight's attack on the Kosovo police unit in the village of Banjska in the north of Kosovo is most likely a modified TAM-110 off-road vehicle.
More on that HERE
17:35 Kosovo Police: So far, three attackers have been killed, one in uniform and four in civilian clothes have been arrested
Kosovo police announced today that according to official information from the field during the exchange of fire, the death of two more attackers was confirmed.
The announcement states that three heavily armed attackers were killed in the conflict between the police and masked attackers in the village of Banjska in the north of Kosovo.
Also, the police confirmed that one attacker was arrested, as well as that one member of the police was slightly injured.
The Kosovo police announced that the security situation in Banjska is still tense, as well as that attacks with firearms on police units continue with the same intensity, depending on the movement of criminal groups.
"Police actions are carried out according to plans and events on the ground, attacks on police officers, whose lives are at risk, are reacted in self-defense," the Kosovo police wrote in a statement.
They added that during the police action, logistical equipment, suspicious military vehicles, military uniforms, as well as weapons and ammunition of various calibers were found in a residential area used by the attackers.
"Also, during the routine control of vehicles, in the area of the village of Rudare, the police units detained four suspects who were found with radio communication devices and who are suspected of being connected to criminal groups," the Kosovo police said.
They added that the police continue to call on criminal groups to surrender to judicial authorities and at the same time call on citizens to cooperate with law enforcement authorities, in the interest of calming the situation and general security.
The on-site investigation continues in cooperation and coordination with all relevant institutions, including the Police Inspectorate of Kosovo, the announcement also states.
(BETA)
16:55 The Kosovo police say that three attackers were killed in the north of Kosovo
Kosovo police announced that, according to official information, three "attackers" have been killed so far.
The Kosovo police state that the four attackers were arrested and that they were found with radio links, as well as significant amounts of weapons, ammunition and various equipment.
In the early hours of the morning, one Kosovo policeman was killed, while two others were injured. Then, another policeman was slightly injured during a conflict with unknown persons.
The police say that the situation is still tense, and that shots are heard.
(Radio Free Europe)
16:47 Gervala: The shameful reaction of Borelj to the attacks on the Kosovo police
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Kosovo, Donika Gervala, called the reaction of EU High Representative Josep Borelj to this morning's attack on the Kosovo Police in which one policeman was killed and two injured, shameful.
Gervala said that none of Borelj's words were in support of the Kosovo police or against terrorists.
"Mr. Borelj, really? Terrorists kill police officers - and you call them "foreigners"? There is no word of support for the police? Not even against terrorists? Did you also call the terrorist attacks in Spain hostile," wrote Gervala on the X platform.
She asked how EU members could tolerate, as she stated, this cynicism.
In a statement after the attack and murder of a policeman on Platform X, Borelj wrote, "I strongly condemn the terrible attack by an armed gang on members of the Kosovo Police in Banjska in the north of Kosovo, in which one policeman was killed and two others were injured. All the facts about the attack must be established. The perpetrators responsible must face justice."
He added that the EU and its member states have repeatedly called on all actors to work on de-escalating the situation in the north of Kosovo.
(BETA)
16:44 EU Ambassador: Terrible attack by an armed gang on Kosovo policemen in Banjska
The Ambassador of the European Union in Kosovo, Tomaš Šunjog, assessed that today there was a terrible attack by an armed gang on Kosovo policemen in Banjska in the north of Kosovo.
Šunjog expressed his condolences to the family and colleagues of the policeman who lost his life on duty.
The head of Eulex, Giovanni Pietro Barbano, said that he was horrified by the attack in the north of Kosovo and sent his condolences to the family of the deceased.
"EULEX, as the second security response in Kosovo, is fully engaged and closely monitors the situation on the ground and is ready to support the Kosovo institutions to the greatest extent possible, in maintaining stability and security for all communities, in close cooperation with KFOR," he wrote. Barbano on platform X.
15:55 KFOR: We continue to monitor the situation, ready to respond if necessary
International peacekeeping forces in Kosovo (KFOR) announced today that they continue to closely monitor the situation in Banjska after the attack on members of the Kosovo Police when one policeman was killed and two others were wounded.
The KFOR command announced that the troops of that military organization are present in the Banjska area and that its members are ready to respond, if necessary.
"The Kosovo Police, as the line that reacts first in such situations, has the primary responsibility for managing the incident on the ground. The commander of KFOR is in close and continuous contact with all international actors, including the European Union (EU), the Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces and the institutions in Kosovo. , and is working intensively to find a way out of this situation," the KFOR command wrote in a statement sent to the media.
They added that the NATO-led KFOR mission strongly condemns the attack on the Kosovo Police and sends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.
15:50 Vučić speaks at 20:XNUMX
The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, will address the public at 20:1 on the occasion of the escalation of tensions in the north of Kosovo, NXNUMX reports.
As announced, Vučić will speak from the Presidency of Serbia.
It was previously announced that the director of the Government Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Petar Petković, would speak about the situation after the incident near the village of Banjska, but his speech was soon cancelled.
15:27 Pristina media: Four attackers of the Kosovo police were killed
Pristina media, referring to their sources, reported that four attackers were killed in an attack on members of the Kosovo Police this morning near the village of Banjska.
It is stated in the media that there is a possibility that the people who shot at the police are members of the former Russian paramilitary formation "Wagner Group", but the Beta agency could not get confirmation of this information from the institutions of Kosovo.
Previously, the Kosovo police confirmed that one of the group of about 30 "heavily armed and masked members of the criminal group" was killed in the exchange of fire in the village of Banjska.
At the press conference, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Aljbin Kurti, showed footage of persons armed with heavy weapons, who with six vehicles without license plates and one armored vehicle, in camouflage uniforms, entered the Banjska monastery where they are still present.
Kurti said that the members of that group were surrounded by the special forces of the Kosovo Police and called on them to surrender.
The government of Kosovo announced that in an exchange of fire with "criminal groups" in the village of Banjska in the north of Kosovo, one of the "attackers" on the police was killed.
The Government announcement states that the situation in that place "is still tense" and that "criminal groups occasionally attack police units in the field with firearms".
"Despite the attacks, police units continue their engagement by creating a security perimeter, in the interest of calming the situation, ensuring security and the rule of law and order in Kosovo," the Government of Kosovo announced.
It is stated that "a significant number of masked professionals in different uniforms, armed with heavy weapons, grenades, hand-held rocket launchers, armored vehicles" participate in the attack on the police and that they use "various private spaces, including the space in and around the Banjska monastery, to move, hide and shooting at police units".
"In accordance with the situation and the danger posed by sporadic attacks by criminal groups, the police are in self-defense and to protect the citizens of the area, forced to react to the effects of criminal groups, and according to the information so far, one of the attackers was killed," the statement said.
The government stated that due to the current situation in the north of Kosovo, the Brnjak and Jarinje crossings were closed, and the police urged citizens to use other crossings and avoid movement near those two crossings.
"The cooperation and coordination of the Kosovo Police with competent domestic and international institutions continues, with the aim of maintaining order and public safety, and bringing before the authorities of justice the perpetrators of continuous attacks on police officers, and at the same time we call on them to surrender to the authorities of law and order," reads the announcement of the Kosovo Police. of the police.
(BETA)
15:22 Borelj condemned the attacks in the north of Kosovo, Lajčak joined the condemnations
EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Jozep Borelj today strongly condemned the "terrible" attack on the Kosovo police in the north of Kosovo and stated that "all the facts" surrounding the attack must be established and the responsible perpetrators brought to justice.
The EU envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, Miroslav Lajčak, in a separate message via platform X, to which he attached a statement from Borelj on the situation, said that he condemned tonight's "terrible" attack on the Kosovo police and emphasized that "any form of violence is unacceptable".
"I condemn in the strongest possible way the terrible attack by an armed gang against members of the Kosovo Police in Banjska in the north of Kosovo, in which one policeman was killed and two were wounded. All the facts surrounding the attack must be established, and the responsible perpetrators must face justice," he said. said Borelj in a statement published today by the European External Affairs Service (EEAS).
Borelj warned that "more lives" are at risk in the ongoing hostilities around the Banjska monastery and stressed that "those attacks must stop immediately".
The EU mission for the rule of law EULEX is on the ground and in close contact with the authorities and with Kfor, adds the statement from Borelj.
"The EU and its member states repeat calls to all actors to work on de-escalating the situation in the north of Kosovo," Borelj wrote.
Like Borelj, Lajčak said that "the perpetrators must be brought to justice" and stressed that "everyone should return to dialogue".
(BETA)
14:28 Kurti accused Serbia again
Murder and violence in the north of Kosovo were committed by armed and organized professional forces, in armored vehicles without license plates, Kosovo Prime Minister Aljbin Kurti announced on the IX network.
"Let me repeat: these terrorist attacks are not carried out by ordinary citizens, Kosovo Serbs, but by troops supported by the state of Serbia," he said.
14:07 Lajčak: I condemn the attack, return to the dialogue
The EU's special representative for the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo, Miroslav Lajčak, strongly condemned, as he stated, the terrible attack on the Kosovo police.
"Violence in any form is absolutely unacceptable. My heart goes out to the victims, their families and colleagues. The perpetrators must be brought to justice. Everyone must immediately return to dialogue," Lajcak said on the X social network.
14:00 Svečlja: The monastery in the village of Banjska is the source of armed attacks
Kosovo's Interior Minister Dželjalj Svečlja said that the monastery in the village of Banjska in the north of Kosovo is "the source of armed attacks" in the surrounding area.
As a result of the attack on Sunday, a Kosovo police officer was killed in that area.
"The attack came and is still going on from prepared professional units, which include more than 30 uniformed, masked and military-equipped persons, with armored vehicles and heavy weapons of various types," he said, as reported by RSE.
He pointed out that those persons were surrounded inside the monastery.
"These terrorists are surrounded by police units and it is high time they surrender," he stressed.
The Diocese of Raško-Prizren announced earlier today that it is concerned because "a group of armed, masked people broke into the monastery in Banjska with an armored vehicle, breaking the closed gate of the monastery."
"Armed and masked persons are moving around the yard and occasionally shots are heard. The Diocese strongly condemns the open violence that is carried out in the religious building of the Serbian Orthodox Church, calling on all parties to end the conflict as soon as possible," the statement said, without specifying who it was.
13:47 Borelj condemned the attack in Kosovo
Jozep Borelj, the high representative of the European Union (EU) for foreign and security policy, said that the EU strongly condemns the attack on members of the Kosovo police in Banjska in the north of Kosovo.
"The perpetrators responsible must face justice," he wrote on the social network X.
13:45 Albanian officials are looking for a reaction from the international community
The President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, and the Prime Minister of that country, Edi Rama, condemned the murder of a policeman in the north of Kosovo.
Begaj said that it was "an organized criminal act and a serious violation of order and security in Kosovo", RSE reports.
"I call on the international community to react decisively to the perpetrators and perpetrators of this extremely serious act for the stability of Kosovo and for peace in the Western Balkan region," Begaj said on Facebook.
Rama said that "the tragedy of the loss of a Kosovo police officer is an alarm bell due to the existing risk of the escalation of a protracted crisis into an armed conflict."
He said that the international community "must gather all its strength and irreversibly place Kosovo and Serbia at the table to discuss dialogue and normalization of relations.
13:30 Vučić will address the media
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić will address the media this afternoon regarding the situation in Kosovo, reports RTS.
Also, the media conference of Petar Petković, director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija in the Government of Serbia, which was scheduled for 14 p.m., was cancelled.
"The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, will expose all the lies and pranks of Aljbin Kurti," the Office announced.
13:25 Director of Police: There was information that Wagner would attack, so far we have nothing substantiated
Kosovo Police Director Fehmi Hoti spoke at a press conference on Sunday, together with Prime Minister Albin Kurti, regarding the murder of a police officer in the north of Kosovo.
When asked if there is a possibility that members of the Russian mercenary group Wagner infiltrated the north of Kosovo, Hoti said that nothing has been proven, RSE reports.
"As for Wagner's group, we had information before, we had information that individuals of Wagner's group were moving, that they were going to attack. But for now we have nothing substantiated, proven. You know that the courts demand that everything be documented," Hoti said. with a note that all information is verified.
13.15 Published photo of masked men
In the photo published on the profile of the Visoki Dečani monastery, at least one armored vehicle can be seen, as well as two masked men in the vicinity of the Banjska monastery.
12:55 Kurti: The attacks in the north continue
Kosovo Prime Minister Aljbin Kurti said at a press conference that Sunday is a difficult day for Kosovo.
"The murder of a police officer should be turned into an even greater engagement in the fight against gangs, illegal structures, crime and terrorism, which threaten the safety of citizens and the constitutional order."
He also said that the attacks in the area where the policeman was killed are still ongoing.
Kurti stated that in the town of Banjska, where the Kosovo policeman was killed, there are still at least 30 heavily armed people, Radio Free Europe (RSE) reports.
He claims that they are professional police and army, that they are in and around the Banjska monastery and that their surrender is awaited.
The Kosovo police are keeping them under siege, he said.
Kurti showed photos of what he claimed were professional uniformed forces, but he did not clearly say whose. In this context, he stated that the local Serbian population "does not have the vehicles that can be seen in the picture".
"Our security agencies and the prosecutor's office will certainly conduct an investigation to better understand these uniforms," Kurti said.
The photos he showed showed armored vehicles without clear markings and armed persons.
(Radio Free Europe)
12:35 The Eparchy of Raška-Prizren SPC condemned the attack
The Eparchy of Raška-Prizren SPC condemned the attack on the Kosovo police, in which one policeman was killed, and pointed out that this event could have "big consequences" and that it is therefore important to preserve the peace.
They add that the Diocese is worried because "a group of armed, masked people broke into the monastery (Banjska) in an armored vehicle, breaking the locked monastery gate".
"Armed masked persons are moving around the yard and occasional shots are heard. The Diocese strongly condemns the open violence that is being used in the religious building of the Serbian Orthodox Church, calling on all parties to end the conflict as soon as possible," the announcement states.
It is not specified who the "armed masked persons" are, but according to the information of RSE, as stated by that media, they are members of the special unit of the Kosovo police.
At the beginning of July, the British MP Ališa Cairns stated that in the north of Kosovo, "weapons are smuggled in emergency vehicles and then stored in church buildings", reminds RSE.
12:30 Kosovo Police: Exchange of fire between police officers and "heavily armed uniformed persons" underway
Acting director of the Kosovo Police for the North region, Veton Eljšani, said that in Banjska, where a Kosovo policeman was killed last night, an exchange of fire between policemen and "heavily armed uniformed" persons is underway.
"We see armed people, it's heavy weapons, they shoot at us, we shoot. We think that they are foreign people in uniform with heavy weapons," Elšani told Radio Kontakt Plus.
However, he could not specify who the uniformed persons were, but stated that they had armored vehicles.
Also, he could not confirm whether there were any new injuries.
A radio journalist from the scene reported that sporadic shots and bursts were heard.
12.15 The road leading to the village is blocked
The police blocked the main road leading to the village of Banjska from the Pristina-Raška main road. Radio Free Europe journalists reported that traffic was blocked and that there were not many people.
Also, the RSE team that is on the ground reported that shots were heard on the section from which you turn towards the village of Banjska, in the area of the municipality of Zvečan. Special units of the Kosovo Police are present in Rudar near Zvečani.
12:13 UNMIK condemned the attack and called on all parties to refrain
The Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) Karolin Ziade condemned the attack on members of the Kosovo Police and asked "all parties" to refrain.
In a post on the social network X, she wrote that she "expresses deep pain and condolences for the loss of the life of a Kosovo police officer and unequivocally condemns this tragic incident in the strongest possible terms." In the response, it is also stated that UNMIK is "closely monitoring the situation and asks all parties to refrain".
12:12 The injured policeman is out of danger
The policeman who was wounded in the north of Kosovo is out of danger, said Kosovo Minister of Health Arben Vitia after visiting the University Clinical Center of Kosovo.
After the murder in Banjska, that hospital raised the state of readiness in that medical institution as well as in general hospitals, especially those in Mitrovica and Vučitrn.
12:09 Kurti claims that attacks continue in the north of Kosovo
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Aljbin Kurti, announced at 11:25 a.m. on the X platform that the attacks on the Kosovo police continue in the north of Kosovo.
"This is the reason why we called on Serbia not to sponsor terrorist attacks in the north," Kurti said.
"While we mourn the loss of our fallen officer, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving the rule of law and security throughout our territory. Serbia's sponsorship of violence and terrorism is a gross violation of our national security and international law, principles and values," he added.
12:05 Family members confirmed the identity of the murdered policeman
Afrim Bunjaku is a policeman who was killed on Sunday in the north of Kosovo, his family members confirmed. They stated on social networks that Bunjaku was a lieutenant in the Kosovo police.
12:00 Condemnation of the attack from the international community
The United States Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeffrey Hovenier, condemned the "orchestrated, violent attacks on the Kosovo police".
"The Kosovo police have full and legitimate responsibility for enforcing the rule of law in Kosovo. Perpetrators must and will be called to account and brought to justice," Hovenier announced on the X social network.
The German ambassador to Kosovo, Jorn Rode, also announced on social networks, saying that the perpetrators of the murder must be found and brought to justice.
"The rule of law should be implemented in Kosovo," wrote Rode on the social network X.
11:38 "Kurti rushed to accuse the Serbs", message from Belgrade
The first reaction to the killing of a policeman in the north of Kosovo on Sunday came from the President of the Assembly of Serbia, Vladimir Orlic, an official of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, who stated that the Prime Minister of Kosovo "was the first to rush to accuse the Serbs".
"If we are going to talk about those who are anything but that, then you have also seen the reaction of Aljbin Kurti, who immediately started, rushed first to accuse the Serbs, to say that it was some kind of organized action, I don't know what, and that it was carried out by some professionals "He must have personally legitimized them in the meantime, so he knows who they are and what they are, so everything is clear to you," Orlić told Prva TV.
10:34 Brnjak border crossing closed
On the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kosovo, it is stated that the Brnjak border crossing between Kosovo and Serbia is closed.
That crossing was closed several times in the past period, together with the Jarinje crossing, at a time of increased tensions between Kosovo and Serbia.
10:00 Police claim they were attacked with hand grenades and bombs
Explaining the circumstances of the attack in which the policeman was killed, the Kosovo police announced that on Sunday at 2:34 a.m. it was noticed that two trucks without license plates were blocking the passage on the bridge at the entrance to the village of Banjska.
"Units from Zvečan arrived near the blockade, and there they encountered resistance. Weapons were fired from several different positions, including hand grenades and hand grenades," the police announced.
The police emphasize that they reacted in self-defense and managed to repulse the initial attack in order to create conditions for the provision of assistance and the withdrawal of the wounded policemen.
"All relevant police units were activated on the ground, which were attacked from time to time from different positions, by organized and armed groups," the statement said.
The Kosovo Police claims that it is taking steps to maintain order and public safety, as well as to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
In the Thoracic Clinic, it was confirmed for Radio Free Europe earlier that part of the ammunition was removed from the wounded policeman, which hit his left arm and pierced part of the lung.
9:30 Condemnation of the attack
Several Kosovo officials condemned the murder of the policeman and blamed Serbia for the incident. The authorities in Serbia have not officially announced anything for now.
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said that the murder in the north was "planned, orchestrated and carried out by Serbian criminal groups".
"These attacks once again prove the destabilizing power of criminal gangs, organized from Serbia, which for a long time, as evidenced by attacks on KFOR members, journalists and citizens, aim to destabilize Kosovo and the region," Osmani stated on social networks. .
The President of the Assembly of Kosovo, Glauk Konjufca, asked the United States of America and the European Union to condemn, as he said, "this open aggression against Kosovo".
The head of the Cabinet of the President of Kosovo, Blerim Vela, said that the "little greens" of Serbia with armored vehicles entered 15 kilometers inside the territory of Kosovo, stressing that the Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić "launched an unprecedented aggression on Kosovo", but that "it will not succeed".
8:30 Kurti accused Belgrade
On the occasion of the murder of the policeman, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Aljbin Kurti, spoke on Sunday morning, stating that in a post on Facebook, the Kosovo police had been attacked in the village of Banjska, calling the attack terroristic.
Kurti stated that organized crime is attacking Kosovo with the "political, financial and logistical support of official Belgrade". He also said that the killed policeman was a sergeant, while he stated that one policeman was injured in the attack and his life is not in danger.
"At this moment, shooting with firearms of different calibers continues on our police. The attackers are professionals with masks and armed with heavy weapons," Kurti wrote on Sunday around 7.30:XNUMX a.m., announcing that a session of the Kosovo National Security Council will be held on Sunday.
The north of Kosovo is home to a majority Serbian population that boycotted the April local elections, and as a result Albanian mayors came to power in North Mitrovica, Zvečan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic.
Then at the end of May, with the help of the police, they entered the municipal buildings, which caused a revolt of the local Serbian population and raised tensions.
The situation escalated on May 29 in Zvečan, when Serbs clashed with members of KFOR, NATO's military mission in Kosovo.
Serbia does not recognize the independence of Kosovo, declared in 2008.
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