U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Christopher Hill characterized the recent upsurge in violence in Banjska, Zvecan, as a “tragic event” and indicated that further actions are under consideration.
Hill stated on September 26 in Belgrade that, “We all must condemn the killing of a member of the Kosovo Police, and while we deeply regret the loss of life, we must also continue with the political process”, according to reports from the Beta news agency.
He stressed the need to “strengthen” the diplomatic process in the coming days and weeks.
Hill took part in a meeting with representatives from the QUINT countries and the head of the European Union delegation, along with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. However, the American diplomat did not respond to questions from journalists regarding the discussions held with the Serbian president.
Earlier, Vučić posted on Instagram that during his meeting with international diplomats, he had requested that the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, known as KFOR, “take care of all security issues in northern Kosovo”.
Western nations have expressed condemnation over the attack on the Kosovo Police in Banjska, Zvecan, which is a municipality in northern Kosovo primarily inhabited by Serbs, occurring on September 24.
An armed group, reportedly consisting of approximately 30 individuals, carried out an attack on the Kosovo Police in Banjska, Zvecan, on September 24, resulting in the death of police officer Afrim Bunjaku.
The police reported that three suspected attackers were killed during an exchange of fire at the Banjska Monastery, where this armed group had sought refuge.
Furthermore, six other individuals have been apprehended, as per Kosovo authorities.
Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs Xhelal Sveçla, has accused Milan Radoičić, Deputy Leader of the Serb List, which is the largest political party representing Serbs in Kosovo, of organizing and participating in the attack.
On September 26, Sveçla released a drone-recorded video, claiming to depict Radoičić armed in Banjska.
The Serb List, a party with the support of Belgrade, and Serbian institutions have not yet responded to the allegations made by Kosovo.
Kosovo has held Serbia accountable for the attack, while official Belgrade pointed blame to Kosovo Serbs.
