In a commemorative gathering, the leaders of Kosovo’s institutions paid their respects to Afrim Bunjaku, a member of the Kosovo Police who was tragically killed on September 24 in confrontations with an armed group in Banjska, Zvecan, located in the northern part of Kosovo.

During this gathering, Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu posthumously bestowed upon Afrim Bunjaku the highest honor in Kosovo, the title of “Hero of Kosovo”.

President Osmani stressed that Officer Bunjaku had lost his life defending order, the rule of law, the territorial integrity, and the sovereignty of Kosovo.

“Officer Afrim Bunjaku, along with fellow police officers, bravely confronted terrorist elements orchestrated from Belgrade. They did what was necessary to restore law and order, protect territorial integrity and sovereignty, and uphold the dignity of Kosovo,” President Osmani remarked.

Also present at the commemoration was Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

Prime Minister Kurti highlighted that Afrim Bunjaku had fallen victim to an attack on Kosovo’s police force and the state itself by a heavily armed group with support allegedly originating from Serbia.

“The Kosovo Police’s swift and professional response resulted in the elimination of several terrorists and criminals, the apprehension of others, the neutralization of the entire armed group, and the confiscation of a substantial cache of weapons,” Kurti underscored.

Family members of Officer Afrim Bunjaku were also in attendance at the commemorative event. His daughter, Arbenita, conveyed their family’s immense pride in her father’s dedication and heroism.

Afrim Bunjaku had served as a member of the Kosovo Police since 2001.

The fatal incident occurred on Sunday, September 24, when a clash erupted between the Kosovo Police and an armed group in Banjska, Zvecan, situated in the northern part of Kosovo, a region predominantly inhabited by Serbs. In this engagement, several Kosovo Police officers also sustained injuries.

The armed attackers, approximately 30 individuals, had taken refuge within the confines of the Banjska Monastery, where they engaged in a firefight with law enforcement.

Additionally, authorities successfully confiscated a significant arsenal of weaponry. Kosovo’s authorities held Serbia accountable for the assault, while Belgrade attributed blame to Kosovo Serb officials.