Tension in Kosovo: Serbs opened fire on police

One police officer was killed and another wounded when Serb gunmen blocking the road opened fire on police in northern Mitrovica, where mainly Serbs live in northern Kosovo.

The Kosovo police statement states that a group of armed Serbs placed two unlicensed trucks on the bridge at the entrance to the village of Bajnske, located near North Mitrovica, and blocked the road to the village. The statement states that the conflict broke out because armed Serbs opened fire on police officers who came to the scene after the warning, and the following expressions were used: “The police opened fire with various firearms, including hand-held grenades and two police officers were shot as a result of the fire.”

The statement stated that the injured police officers were taken to hospital and that despite all efforts, one police officer died. The statement reported that the injuries of the other slightly injured police officer were not life-threatening.

Following the incident, a large number of security forces were sent to the region and the Brnjak border crossing between Kosovo and Serbia was also closed.

Kosovo leaders also reacted to the attack with posts on their social media accounts. Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani stated: “The murder in the north was planned and carried out by Serbian criminal gangs.”

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti also said: “Organized crime, with the political, financial and logistical support of Belgrade, is attacking our country.” (AA)