Eight individuals have been arrested in northern Kosovo on charges allegedly tied to „criminal and terrorist activities,“ according to Kosovo’s Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla and Police Chief Gazmend Hoxha. The arrests followed raids conducted at ten locations in the predominantly Serb region, during which authorities confiscated military equipment, explosives, and weapons.
At a press conference held at the Enver Zumberi Special Police Base in South Mitrovica, Sveçla and Hoxha detailed the operation.
Items seized included over 200 military uniforms, six bombs, two AK-47 assault rifles, weapon parts, explosives, military helmets, camouflage gear, and cash in euros and Serbian dinars. Authorities stated that most of the individuals targeted were associated with the organization „Civilna Zaštita“ (Civil Protection).
The event, broadcast live in Albanian by local media and government channels, emphasized Kosovo’s ongoing fight against what is being described as „Serbian/Russian terrorism.“
Accusations Against Serbia Escalate
The duo reiterated allegations previously made by the Kosovo Police, as well as Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti and President Vjosa Osmani of Serbian involvement in the incident at the Ibar-Lepenac canal.
Top Kosovo officials were quick to link the recent incidents to what they claim is a hybrid and kinetic war orchestrated by Belgrade. Specific allegations were leveled against Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Milan Radoičić, a controversial political figure, for purported roles in the alleged activities.
President Vučić dismissed the accusations as „reckless“ and expressed deep concern over the developments, framing the statements from Pristina as inflammatory.
Explosion at Key Infrastructure Site
The arrests coincide with heightened tensions following an explosion at a critical juncture of the Ibar-Lepenac canal in Zubin Potok.
Around 7 PM last night, explosives reportedly damaged a section of the canal, causing water to flood a nearby house, severely impacting the Lazarević family’s property.
Kurti visited the site, asserting that the attack involved 15 kilograms of explosives, which he claimed only Serbia had the resources to supply.
Interior Minister Sveçla added that the explosives could not be sourced from black markets and were possibly taken from a military warehouse. He also added that the majority of confiscated weapons and equipment are reportedly of Serbian origin.
Media outlets circulated images of seized items, including one photograph displaying an emblem of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK).
Heightened Security
The situation has drawn the attention of KFOR, the NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, which stressed the importance of establishing facts and ensuring accountability.
Meanwhile, northern Kosovo remains under heavy police and KFOR presence, with increased patrols in Zubin Potok and North Mitrovica.
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