NATO and Serbia – New Developments
On 24 September 2023, 30 masked Serb gunmen after ambushing a Kosovar Albanian police patrol and killing one officer, stormed an Orthodox monastery close to Serbia's border in Banjska, a town 55 kilometres north of the city.
The Banjska Attack:
This sparked gunfights that left three attackers dead and increased tensions between the two countries with shared hostilities amidst efforts to normalize relations [1]. Being referred to as one of the deadliest conflicts since Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence from Serbia, the confrontation ended when the remaining attackers fled on foot under cover of darkness and the police regained control of the area [2]. Kosovo's Minister of Internal Affairs and Public Administration, Xhelal Svecla, later announced that the police had arrested numerous people and recovered numerous weapons and equipment during the clearance operation. It was not apparent, though, whether the operation had resulted in the capture of all the gunmen. At least three attackers were killed and one was taken into custody during the firefight, according to a later statement from the police. Four other civilian suspects who were in possession of firearms and radio equipment were also detained. The Jarinje and Brnjak border crossings between Serbia and Kosovo were also shut down as a result of the incident, according to Kosovo police [3].
According to Minister Svecla, at least five of the attackers were potentially members of "The Civil Protection," a terrorist organization. The Minister further stated that the vice president of the Serbian List Party Milan Radoicic may have been one of the attackers after his weapons permit was discovered in one of the seized vehicles. Radoicic may also be one of the wounded attackers. The police uncovered many weapons, including heavy military weaponry like grenades, mortars, machine guns, and Kalashnikovs, as well as uniforms and logistical supplies, during their raids. These discoveries were uncovered in a number of places, including homes and the vehicles the terrorist group used to block roadways. Kreshnik Gashi, the editor of BIRN (Balkan Investigative Reporting Network), noted that the attackers had worn uniforms identical to that of the Kosovo Special Police forces, and drove cars that were the same as those used by NATO-led KFOR (Kosovo Force) units and showcased KFOR stickers claiming that these strategies probably made it easier for the group to maneuver around Northern Kosovo [4]
Aftermath of the attack:
Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti the President Vjosa Osmani put the blame on Serbia stating, “Organized crime, which is politically, financially and logistically supported from Belgrade, is attacking our state.” Conversely, the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic denied the allegations calling it “absolutely reprehensible,” adding the gunmen were local Kosovo Serbs who “do not want to suffer under Kurti’s terror anymore.” [5] The attack was condemned internationally, including the European Union (EU) [6], the United States of America (USA) [7], and Turkiye [8], with NATO’s peacekeeping force in Kosovo stating that their troops in the region are “ready to respond if required” [9]. Moreover, the Croatian President and Germany also called for a response and clarification regarding the incident [10] [11].
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic would only affirm that the attack had been committed by desperate local Serbs, blaming Prime Minister Kurti for terrorizing Serbs for months as the reason that caused such an attack. According to reports, people were uncertain of what actually occurred and were worried that it may exacerbate the tense situation and make things worse for them in the long run. Miodrag Milicevic, the leader of the Mitrovica-based NGO Aktiv, referred to the atmosphere in the northern part of the city as "terrible" with fears that Kosovo police would get more brutal following the attack [12]. Amidst the tense environment, after receiving complaints from viewers that Arena Sport channels broadcasted messages in favor of the armed gunmen who attacked Kosovo Police during the halftime and after football games, Kosovo's Independent Media Commission (IMC) demanded a halt to broadcasts [13].
The incident is currently underway an investigation into what is being referred to as a "terrorist" operation, however, on October 8, Kosovar Minister Xhelal Svecla made the identity documents of a Serb public whom he called Serbian President’s son Danilo Vucic's "closest associates" and stated that police are searching for a potential connection between him and the attack. After spending two days in Serbian detention earlier this month, Milan Radoicic, whose Serbian List is the major ethnic-Serb party in Kosovo, acknowledged to arranging and taking part in the event. He was depicted in photographs taken by the Kosovar police together with identity documents from the site, where he was one of the attackers on the monastery. Documents belonging to Milorad Jevtic, whom Svecla referred to as "one of Danilo Vucic's closest associates" were discovered at the scene. The records, according to him, demonstrated that Jevtic "was in the unit that attacked Kosovo police." [14]
Political Ramifications:
For more than a decade, the EU and the USA have been trying to convince Serbia and Kosovo to put an end to their hostility and establish normal ties. In April, there were some encouraging signals when Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vui eventually gave a possibly hesitant, yet support to a plan mediated by the EU that would see the two finally normalize their bilateral ties. Nevertheless, despite all of the pleading attempts hostilities are set to persist [15]. Both Kosovo and the EU have labeled this incident as a terrorist act and the case is being handled as an assault on the constitutional order, which includes acts of terrorism, as confirmed by the Special Prosecution of Kosovo. Minister Sveçla during the press conference said, "It is obvious that preparations had been underway for a long period of time to launch a massive assault on the Kosovo Police, state institutions, and to seriously undermine the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Kosovo." Furthermore, Prime Minister Kurti had also put allegations at Serbia, highlighting the fact that this attack had been planned with political, financial, and logistical support from Serbia [16].
The NATO Factor
The White House upon concerns about the "unprecedented" buildup of modern Serbian artillery, tanks, and infantry troops close to the Kosovo border, demanded an "immediate de-escalation", and issued a warning that the incident poses a risk to the safety of both international personnel, including NATO forces, and Kosovo personnel. John Kirby, who oversees strategic communications for the US National Security Council also mentioned that the USA has been keeping an eye on a sizable Serbian military presence at Kosovo's border [17].
The peacekeeping mission in Kosovo (KFOR) thereby received additional troops, according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stating the improved KFOR's presence and posture since May when the Kosovan police clashed with the protestors who were opposing Albanians taking public office positions in areas where ethnic Serbs are in the majority [18]. Following the shootout in Banjska, Stoltenberg said in a written statement that the North Atlantic Council had authorized additional forces to deal with the issue and that the KFOR mission would always take the necessary steps to preserve a safe and secure environment. He also called for the situation to be promptly de-escalated between Serbia and Kosovo [19].
The expansion of forces in Kosovo involved the deployment of around 200 troops from the United Kingdom’s Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment’s 1st Battalion adding to the British contingent of 400 soldiers already in the region for an annual exercise [20] and around 500 troops from Turkey under the KFOR command [21]. Moreover, Turkey took control of the KFOR forces on 10 October putting Major General Ozkan Ulutas as commander of the 4500-strong troops [22]. Following a meeting of NATO member states’ defence ministers, Secretary General Stoltenberg stated in a press conference that with additional forces deployed, there are more patrols being conducted in northern Kosovo to fulfil the UN mandate adding that the only possible solution for lasting peace is both Serbia and Kosovo engaging as per the negotiations facilitated by the EU [23].
Conclusion:
Prior to its declaration of independence, Kosovo was a territory dominated by ethnic Albanians and a part of Serbia. Despite having no formal control over Kosovo, the Serbian government has refused to acknowledge its independence [24]. Moreover, the involvement of NATO forces in this conflict zone has become a crucial issue for European security. The vulnerability of the region is underpinned by years of ethno- political issues and the only probable situation is said to be an EU-mediated negotiation. However, any efforts towards peace are disturbed by violent incidents.
The severity of the Banjska incident had disrupted any hopes for a successful normalization of ties and has instead led to further militarization in the region. Earlier in May, a clash between the protestors and the police led to a similar situation.
Militarized conflicts have been on the rise this year globally and such incidents can cause further disruptions. In this regard, Kosovo and Serbia putting the blame on each other has put the larger issue at an impasse. It is long recognized that the end to the hostilities can only happen if both parties are brought to the negotiation table. Therefore, while the KFOR presence can ensure a peace-keeping effort, the solution to hostilities ultimately lies in the hands of these two nations.
Endnotes:
1. Zenel Zhinpotoku and Llazar Semini, Kosovar police surround a village after Serb gunmen storm a monastery in violence that has killed 4, AP News, 25 September 2023 https://apnews.com/article/kosovo-serbia-policeman-killed-tension-kurti-vucic-51a29a3159646ec020851b3b5a24836f#lnmr5gs0g96fze5x3vn
2. Florent Bajrami and Llazar Semini, Kosovo mourns a slain police officer, some Serb gunmen remain at large after a siege at a monastery, AP News, 25 September 2023 https://apnews.com/article/kosovo-serbia-gunmen-tension-mourning-monastery-attack-4c381bcd34374d81d59adb3a473925b4#lnmr3wsa6ukykwrfgzh
3. Standoff in northern Kosovo ends following a day of deadly clashes, France 24, 24 September 2023 https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230924-fighting-ongoing-after-police-officer-killed-in-attack-in-north-kosovo
4. Blerta Begisholli and Antigonë Isufi, Aftermath of Sunday’s Terrorist Attack in North Kosovo: What Happened and What Does It Mean for the Dialogue?, Prishtina Insight, 26 September 2023 https://prishtinainsight.com/aftermath-of-of-sundays-terrorist-attack-in-north-kosovo-what-happened-and-what-does-it-mean-for-the-dialogue-mag/
5. Hanne Cokelaere and Seb Starcevic, Gunmen storm village in northern Kosovo in attack blamed on Serbia, Politico, 2 September 2023 https://www.politico.eu/article/kosovo-serbia-police-attack-albin-kurti-banjska-vjosa-osmani/
6. Kosovo: Statement by the High Representative Josep Borrell on the attack against Kosovo Police, European Union, 24 September 2023 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/kosovo-statement-high-representative-josep-borrell-attack-against-kosovo-police_en?s=321
7. U.S. Condemns Attack In Kosovo's North As Country Observes Day Of Mourning, Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, 25 September 2023 https://www.rferl.org/a/kosovo-police-officer-killed-serb-north-kurti/32606755.html
8. Statement of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tanju Bilgiç, in Response to a Question Regarding This Morning's Attack in the North of Kosovo, which Resulted in the Loss of Life of One Kosovo Police Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Turkiye, 24 September 2023 https://www.mfa.gov.tr/sc_-10_-kosova-nin-kuzeyinde-bu-sabah-meydana-gelen-_-saldiri-hk-sc.en.mfa
9. Hanne Cokelaere and Seb Starcevic, Gunmen storm village in northern Kosovo in attack blamed on Serbia, Politico, 2 September 2023 https://www.politico.eu/article/kosovo-serbia-police-attack-albin-kurti-banjska-vjosa-osmani/
10. The President of Croatia: Serbia must respond to the attack in Banjska, SOT, 10 October 2023 https://sot.com.al/english/rajoni/presidenti-i-kroacise-serbia-duhet-te-jape-pergjigje-per-sulmin-ne-banjsk-i616453
11. Germany calls for clarification of Banjska attack and calming of situation, Euronews Albania, 11 October 2023 https://euronews.al/en/germany-calls-for-clarification-of-banjska-attack-and-calming-of-situation/
12. Sasa Dragojlo, Xhorxhina Bami and Milica Stojanovic, Attack Leaves Kosovo Serbs in Fear and Disbelief Over What Occurred, Balkan Insight, 2 September 2023 https://balkaninsight.com/2023/09/25/violence-leaves-kosovo-serbs-in-fear-and-disbelief-over-attack/
13. Perparim Isufi, Kosovo Bans Serbia Sport TV Channels Over Messages ‘Glorifying’ Banjska Attack,Balkan Insight, 05 October 2023 https://balkaninsight.com/2023/10/05/kosovo-bans-serbia-sport-tv-channels-over-messages-glorifying-banjska-attack/
14. Serbia-Kosovo Accusations Get Personal After Pristina IDs Attack Suspect With Ties To Vucic's Son, Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, 09 October 2023 https://www.rferl.org/a/serbia-kosovo-attack-pristina-ids-vucic-connection/32629876.html
15. Jamie Dettmer, Kosovo attack: Who benefits?, Politico, 02 October 2023 https://www.politico.eu/article/attack-kosovo-banjska-serbia-aleksandar-vucic-albin-kurti/
16. Blerta Begisholli and Antigonë Isufi, Aftermath of Sunday’s Terrorist Attack in North Kosovo: What Happened and What Does It Mean for the Dialogue?, Prishtina Insight, 26 September 2023 https://prishtinainsight.com/aftermath-of-of-sundays-terrorist-attack-in-north-kosovo-what-happened-and-what-does-it-mean-for-the-dialogue-mag/
17. US warns of a big build-up of Serbian troops on Kosovo border, Saudi Gazette, 30 September 2023 https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/636334#google_vignette
18. Fatos Bytyci, NATO to deploy more troops to Kosovo to curb violence, Reuters, 31 May 2023 https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nato-soldiers-guard-kosovo-serb-town-following-clashes-2023-05-30/
19. Mustafa Talha Öztürk, NATO to provide additional forces for Kosovo mission, Anadolu Ajansi, 29 September 2023 https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/nato-to-provide-additional-forces-for-kosovo-mission/3004226
20. Xhorxhina Bami and Sasa Dragojlo, UK to Deploy Additional Troops in Kosovo After North Clashes, Balkan Insight, 02 October 2023 https://balkaninsight.com/2023/10/02/uk-to-deploy-additional-troops-in-kosovo-after-north-clashes/
21. Zana Cimli, Nato beefs up Kosovo presence with UK troops after monastery shootout, Breaking News, 29 September 2023 https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/nato-beefs-up-kosovo-presence-with-uk-troops-after-monastery-shootout-1533090.html
22. Turkey takes charge of NATO peacekeepers in Kosovo, Wion News, 11 October 2023 https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-takes-charge-of-nato-peacekeepers-in-kosovo-645128
23. Bubulina Pen, NATO: Belgrade and Prishtina to Refrain From Destabilizing Actions, Prishtina Insight, 13 September 2023 https://prishtinainsight.com/nato-belgrade-and-prishtina-to-refrain-from-destabilizing-actions/
24. Dusan Stojanovic, What is behind renewed tensions between Serbia and Kosovo?, PBS, 25 September 2023 https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/what-is-behind-renewed-tensions-between-serbia-and-kosovo
Pic Courtesy-Jacek Dylag at unsplash.com
(The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)