Kosovo is marking 28 years since the Battle of Kaqandoll, one of the significant confrontations between the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK) and Serbian forces during the 1998–1999 war.
The battle, which took place in the Llap region, is regarded as the first major frontal confrontation between UÇK fighters and Serbian forces in the area.
The fighting lasted for three days and became one of the notable clashes of the period in the Llap Operational Zone.
Seven UÇK members were killed during the battle: Bekim Maliqi, Bekim Lushaku, Naim Zhegrova, Fadil Sejdiu, Habib Zeka, Islam Rekaliu and Selim Rekaliu.
Remembering those killed
The Battle of Kaqandoll holds an important place in accounts of the UÇK’s wartime activity in Llap, particularly for the resistance mounted against Serbian forces and the losses suffered by the fighters who took part.
On the 28th anniversary, Kosovo institutions, veterans and local communities are commemorating the seven fallen UÇK members and other fighters who participated in the battle.
The anniversary also serves as an occasion to remember the sacrifices made during the Kosovo war and the role of the Llap region in the armed conflict that ultimately ended with the withdrawal of Serbian forces from Kosovo in 1999.
