Kosovo announced on Wednesday the indictment of 45 suspects on terrorism charges, nearly a year after ethnic Serb gunmen stormed a village in northern Kosovo, leading to a deadly shootout with police that left four people dead, including a police officer. The incident, which occurred in September 2023, was the worst violence in the region since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, further straining relations between Pristina and Belgrade.
Blerim Isufaj, chief prosecutor of the Special Prosecution of Kosovo, stated at a press conference, “There is strong evidence that all 45 suspects have committed criminal offences related to terrorism, offences against constitutional order, financing of terrorism, and money laundering.”
On September 24, 2023, around 80 gunmen reportedly entered Kosovo from Serbia in armored vehicles, barricading themselves in a Serbian Orthodox monastery in Banjska, a village in northern Kosovo predominantly inhabited by ethnic Serbs. The gunmen clashed with Kosovar police, resulting in the deaths of three assailants and one police officer. The remaining attackers fled to Serbia on foot, leaving behind cars filled with weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
Among those indicted is Milan Radoicic, the group’s leader and a former top Kosovo Serb politician. Radoicic, who resides in Serbia, has publicly admitted participating in the shootout. Most of the suspects, including Radoicic, are believed to be in Serbia, making extradition to Kosovo unlikely, as Belgrade does not recognize Kosovo’s independence and still considers it part of Serbian territory.
Kosovo has accused Serbia of orchestrating the attack, though Belgrade denies any involvement. Earlier this year, Interpol issued international arrest warrants for 19 suspects, including Radoicic.
In northern Kosovo, where around 50,000 ethnic Serbs live, the population does not recognize Kosovo’s institutions and continues to see Belgrade as their capital. This has led to frequent clashes with Kosovar police and international peacekeepers.
