Tensions have reached a boiling point in Kosovo after a police officer was killed and another injured in a shooting near the border with Serbia. The attack, which occurred in the northern village of Banjska in Leposavic, involved “professionals” using heavy weapons, according to Prime Minister Albin Kurti. This incident comes amid high tensions fueled by violent clashes following a disputed local election in May, and stalled EU-mediated political talks aimed at stabilizing the situation.
Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008, is not recognized by Serbia, China, and Russia, key allies of Belgrade. The majority of Serbs consider Kosovo as the birthplace of their nation, while Albanians make up 92% of the population. Sunday’s shooting took place after police responded to a reported blockade near the border with Serbia.
The attackers, who had an arsenal of firearms including hand grenades and shoulder-fired missiles, initiated the assault from multiple positions. Prime Minister Kurti accused organized crime with political, financial, and logistical support from Belgrade, blaming them for the attack. He emphasized that those responsible, as well as those who gave the orders, will face punishment. Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani condemned the incident as an attack on law and order and on the sovereignty of the Republic of Kosovo, alleging that Serbian criminal gangs orchestrated it. She called for the support of Kosovo’s allies in establishing law and order and urged the public to remain united.
Serbia has not issued an official response to the incident. However, unrest has plagued northern Kosovo since Kosovo Albanian mayors were installed in majority-Serb areas, following a boycott by Serb residents during the local elections. In response, NATO has deployed additional troops to handle the unrest in the town of Zvecan. Previous clashes resulted in injuries to over 30 NATO peacekeepers and more than 50 Serb protesters.
Furthermore, EU-mediated talks aimed at resolving the tense situation have collapsed, with blame directed at Prime Minister Kurti for the failure to establish the association of Serb-majority municipalities, which would have granted them more autonomy. The situation in Kosovo remains highly volatile, and the international community must closely monitor the developments to prevent further escalation of violence.
The underlying conflict between Kosovo and Serbia, compounded by ethnic and political tensions, poses a significant challenge to regional stability. International support and engagement are crucial to mitigate this situation and prevent additional loss of life. The European Union, NATO, and other relevant stakeholders should intensify their efforts to facilitate dialogue and find a lasting solution that respects the rights and aspirations of all communities involved.
