Recent coordinated raids in northern Kosovo led to the arrest of eight individuals linked to violent incidents, which Prime Minister Albin Kurti classified as terrorist acts allegedly planned by Belgrade. Authorities discovered a large cache of weapons, including grenades and a rocket launcher. Explosive attacks on a police station and town hall caused significant damage and disrupted water and power supply. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic denied government involvement, calling for an independent investigation, while Kosovo’s tensions with Serbia continue amid calls for stability.
Recent Raids in Northern Kosovo Result in Arrests and Weapons Seizure
In a series of coordinated raids in northern Kosovo, authorities have detained eight individuals connected to a string of violent incidents. The Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, has labeled these events as a terrorist act allegedly orchestrated by Belgrade.
The arrests, all involving Kosovo Serbs, come in response to attacks on a police station, a town hall, and a water canal using explosives. These developments have raised significant concerns about security in the region.
Details of the Explosive Incidents and Government Response
During a press briefing, Kosovo’s Interior Minister, Xhelal Svecla, and Police Director, Gazmend Hoxha, showcased an extensive arsenal of weapons discovered during the raids. This cache included uniforms, a rocket launcher, hand grenades, and various firearms. Minister Svecla accused the suspects of belonging to a terrorist organization responsible for the recent violence.
The week was marked by several alarming incidents, including the detonation of hand grenades at a police station in Zvecan and an explosion at the town hall that damaged the building and several vehicles. Additionally, an explosion at the Ibar-Lepenac canal resulted in significant disruptions, leaving multiple areas, including Mitrovica, without drinking water and causing power outages due to the canal’s role in cooling a vital power plant.
In response to these allegations, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic rejected claims of his government’s involvement, calling them unfounded and irresponsible. He advocated for an impartial investigation that includes international partners to ensure a fair assessment of the situation.
Kurti pointed to the past involvement of Milan Radojcic, a Kosovo-Serb businessman linked to earlier violent incidents, as indicative of organized efforts to destabilize the region. The tensions between Kosovo and Serbia remain high, despite ongoing international mediation, with Kosovo having declared independence in 2008, a move recognized by over 100 countries, including Germany.
The ethnic Serb party in Kosovo, Srpska Lista, has condemned the recent attacks and urged for investigations by KFOR and the EU’s Eulex mission, highlighting the need for peace and stability in the area.