Petar Petković, the Director of the Office for Kosovo in the Serbian Government, has alleged that Kosovo prevented the EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) from participating in the investigations into the September 24 attack in Banjska, suggesting that this was done to conceal certain evidence.
Radio Free Europe has posed inquiries to both EULEX and the Kosovo Police regarding the allegations from Belgrade, but responses from these institutions are still pending.
On September 24, an armed group, their faces concealed, launched an attack on the Kosovo Police. This incident took place in Banjska, located within the Zvecan municipality in north Kosovo. Tragically, officer Afrim Bunjaku lost his life in the attack, and several other police officers sustained injuries. Subsequently, Kosovo authorities reported that three suspected assailants were killed during an exchange of gunfire.
Petković asserted that the attackers were killed at close range after surrendering to authorities.
Consequently, Petković emphasized the need for an independent commission, aided by experts, to conduct autopsies on the deceased Serbs, a request he considers crucial.
Kosovo categorizes this event as a terrorist attack and holds Serbia accountable, while Belgrade vehemently denies any involvement.
Reiterating this stance on September 27, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić expressed uncertainty about the objectives of the armed group responsible for the attack in northern Kosovo.
Kosovo officials have accused Milan Radojičić, the Deputy Chairman of the Serb List, the predominant Serbian party in Kosovo with support from Belgrade, of orchestrating and participating in the September 24 attack. These allegations are supported by Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs Xhelal Sveçla, who released a drone-recorded video allegedly depicting Radojičić in Banjska, armed and attired in military uniform.
On September 27, Vučić confirmed Radojičić’s presence in Serbia and disclosed that he would be subjected to questioning.
Presently, four individuals have been detained in connection with the Banjska events, with the police exhibiting weapons and equipment reportedly seized in the village on September 25.
The attack in northern Kosovo has garnered condemnation from the United States and the European Union. Within the European bloc, some member states are advocating punitive measures against Serbia should its involvement in the incident be substantiated.
