Two years after deadly clashes shook the village of Banjska, the site once known as a tourist destination was largely deserted today. Only the families of the three Serbian men killed in the events of September 2023, alongside dozens of journalists from Serbian and Albanian media outlets, were present. The Banjska Monastery, as in previous year, remains closed to visitors.
On September 24, 2023, Kosovo Police sergeant Afrim Bunjaku was killed in an ambush and roadblock in Banjska. A firefight ensued with a heavily armed group led by Milan Radoičić, resulting in the deaths of three local Serbs – Bojan Mijailović and Igor Milenković from Leposavic, and Stefan Nedeljković from Zvecan. Three others were arrested at the scene.
NATO later described the incident as a “security incident.” One year on, judicial proceedings began against the three arrested men, but the court rejected a request to hold a trial in absentia for 42 accused individuals – 41 persons and one legal entity – charged with participating in the Banjska events.
Kosovo’s top officials have repeatedly described the incident as an “act of aggression” or a “terrorist attack,” claiming it had the backing of official Belgrade. In Brussels, EU officials have referred to it as a “serious security incident.”
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and other officials in Belgrade deny responsibility, instead blaming local Serbs.
Last year’s first anniversary was marked with a high-level visit by Kosovo officials and a heavy police presence. Prime Minister Albin Kurti inaugurated a road leading to the monastery named after the slain officer Bunjaku. This year, however, no official ceremony was held in Banjska itself, and official Belgrade has so far remained silent.
Nevertheless, Kosovo Police have stepped up security across the north. Deputy regional commander Veton Elshani confirmed to KoSSev this morning that there is an increased police presence “for security reasons” tied to the anniversary.
While no northern visit by Kosovo officials is officially planned, Prime Minister Kurti, acting Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla, and Kosovo Police Director Gazmend Hoxha are expected to lay flowers on Afrim Bunjaku’s grave later today. The main commemoration will be held in Pristina at 3 p.m.
Background: From the 2023 Attack to Today
The Banjska clash broke out when an armed group of Serbs attacked Kosovo Police – an act that Pristina described as an attempt to destabilize northern Kosovo. During the group’s retreat, or flight, a large quantity of weapons, uniforms, as well as their personal belongings and documents were left behind, including videos allegedly showing exercises at military training grounds in Serbia.
This was later confirmed at a press conference by the Chief of the General Staff himself. Regarding the weapons, Kosovo Police, while displaying the arsenal, stated that the arms were allegedly worth €5 million. Investigative media in Serbia later reported that part of the arsenal had been taken from Serbian military depots.
Five days later, Milan Radoičić took responsibility, claiming he had organized the attack without the knowledge of Serbian authorities or Srpska Lista, after which he resigned as its vice-president.
He was arrested in Serbia on October 3, 2023, but was quickly released – drawing sharp criticism from Kosovo authorities and the international community.
Kosovo claims the attack was part of a broader plan backed by Belgrade. In September 2024, Kosovo’s Special Prosecution indicted Radoičić and 44 others for terrorism, terrorist financing and money laundering, alleging that he used his wealth and political connections to plan the “seizure” of northern Kosovo.
Interpol reportedly issued a red notice for him and 18 other suspects as early as the start of 2024, although the organization itself has not confirmed this.
Radoičić currently lives freely in Serbia under a travel ban.
The Belgrade Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating him for a “serious offense against public security” and illegal weapons, but no indictment has been filed so far – further fueling accusations of political protection from the highest levels of the state. In 2023, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said that Radoičić was “available” to the judiciary but that extradition to Kosovo was not on the table.
Serbia considers Kosovo its own territory. Meanwhile, Kosovo has seized much of Radoičić’s property, including a villa on Lake Gazivode and a restaurant, and in April 2025 issued a warrant for his arrest over alleged war crimes in Djakovica in 1999, including the killing of 106 Albanians.
The EU and the U.S., which had previously sanctioned Radoičić for crime and corruption, continue to call for cooperation, but with little progress so far. Radoičić’s group remains publicly active. Just yesterday he was reportedly seen in Kosjerić, where he allegedly intimidated residents.
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