Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has accused Belgrade of being responsible for a deadly gunfight that occurred near the Serbian border in northern Kosovo. She stated that the group of armed men involved in the incident acted in line with the intentions and motives of Serbia and its leader, Aleksandar Vucic. Osmani declared that Kosovo is being attacked. On the other hand, Vucic denies any involvement and questions the benefit that Belgrade could gain from such an incident. He stated that Serbia does not want war and will launch its own investigation to determine who is responsible.
The gunfight took place in the village of Banjska, where Kosovo police engaged in a shootout with armed men. One police officer and three gunmen were killed during the incident. Most of the perpetrators managed to escape to Serbia, according to the Kosovar authorities. Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Osmani accused Belgrade of attempting to heighten tensions in northern Kosovo, which is home to a significant number of ethnic Serbs. She warned President Vucic to stop interfering with Kosovo and asserted that Kosovo will defend its freedom, independence, and sovereignty at any cost.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain ambiguous, as no group has claimed responsibility, and the motives of the gunmen have not been disclosed. However, Pristina claims to have evidence suggesting that the armed men were supported by Belgrade. Serbian officials challenge this version of events and claim that it was a police operation against ethnic Serbs in the region, conducted in coordination with NATO’s Kosovo peacekeeping force (KFOR).
The tense situation in northern Kosovo involving clashes between KFOR personnel and ethnic Serbs has occurred previously. In May, clashes erupted following a controversial local election, leading to injuries on both sides. Belgrade deployed Serbian army units near the Kosovo border in response, and NATO announced plans to reinforce its KFOR mission.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but the move was not recognized by several countries, including China and certain EU member states. Moscow, which has close ties with Belgrade, also views Kosovo as part of Serbia. The ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo oppose Kosovo’s independence and consider Belgrade as the authority. NATO announced plans to send additional KFOR personnel to the region due to recent tensions.
In conclusion, the situation in northern Kosovo remains tense, with accusations and denials of involvement from both sides. The exact circumstances surrounding the gunfight are still unclear, and further investigation is needed to determine responsibility.