Kosovo’s Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, has warned that the Banjska attack was a deliberate attempt to destabilize Kosovo and stressed that the source of regional threats remains the hegemonistic policies of Serbia.
Speaking on the Përballje Podcast on Telegrafi, Maqedonci highlighted that security risks in the Western Balkans are interconnected and not isolated to Kosovo alone.
“The real basis of any security threat in the Western Balkans lies in the hegemonistic approach that Serbian politics continues to pursue,” he said.
Regarding the Banjska incident, the minister described the attack as an attempt to occupy the northern part of Kosovo by terrorist and criminal groups supported by Serbia.
Maqedonci also responded to statements by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and the Serbian Armed Forces, emphasizing that Kosovo’s cooperation with Albania and Croatia is not a threat to anyone.
He warned that the armed group responsible for Banjska continues to find refuge in Serbia, representing an ongoing threat not only to Kosovo but to the entire Western Balkans.
“This group continues to be sheltered and supported by political and security structures in Serbia, posing a danger for the region,” Maqedonci stated.
The minister demanded that Milan Radoiçiq be handed over to Kosovan authorities:
“Serbia must surrender Radoiçiq’s group to our authorities,” he said.
Maqedonci concluded by underlining the need for heightened vigilance and stronger diplomatic action from international partners to address these threats.
