Wed Sep 25 07:47:51 UTC 2024: ## Kosovo Accuses Serbia of Involvement in Deadly Attack as Trial Begins

**PRISTINA, KOSOVO** – Kosovo officials have condemned the 2023 attack on a Kosovar policeman near the Serbian Orthodox Banjska Monastery, calling it a “terrorist attack” with Serbian government involvement. The attack, which killed the policeman and injured another, saw a group of heavily armed paramilitary gunmen ambushing the officers. Three attackers were killed before the group escaped into the border region.

While the trial of alleged ringleader Milan Radoicic and 44 unnamed individuals is set to begin on September 25, Kosovar officials insist the indictments are incomplete, highlighting a lack of accountability for the Serbian government’s alleged role in the incident. Kosovar Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla stated that the attack involved approximately 100 individuals and received “organization and support” from Serbian institutions, including training at a Serbian Army barracks.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti, in a visit to the slain policeman’s hometown, emphasized Serbia’s responsibility for the attack and accused Western officials of appeasing Belgrade out of fear of Russia. He claims the incident is part of a larger pattern of Serbian interference in Kosovo, including the use of the Serbian dinar, banks, and post offices in northern Kosovo.

Serbia has denied involvement in the incident, maintaining that Radoicic confessed to his role and is cooperating with authorities. Despite an Interpol warrant issued by Kosovo, Belgrade has rejected any extradition requests, stating that any legal proceedings will take place within its domestic courts.

The United States and European Union have expressed concerns over Kosovo’s unilateral actions and called for a coordinated approach to normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

This trial and the ongoing accusations of Serbian involvement in the Banjska attack highlight the ongoing tension between Kosovo and Serbia, further complicating the already fragile situation in the region.

Read More