Burim Ramadani, former inspector general of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency, has revealed that this marks the first time the FBI has assisted Kosovo’s authorities in cases where there is suspicion that Serbia may be involved. The assistance pertains to the terrorist attack on November 29th at the Ibër-Lepenc canal. U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeffrey Hovenier, confirmed on Friday that the FBI is involved in the investigation of the attack.
Ramadani explained that, according to his information, the FBI’s involvement is unprecedented when it comes to cases where Serbia or certain Serbian structures are suspected to be behind the attacks. He compared this to the case in Banjskë, where Kosovo should have requested international investigations, according to him.
“The FBI is one of the best investigative institutions in the world,” Ramadani stated in an interview on Klan Kosova’s Info Magazine. “Their expertise and equipment are invaluable to Kosovo in solving this case.”
He also elaborated on the professional nature of the Ibër-Lepenc attack, emphasizing that the operation was carried out by a group of professionals, possibly with ties to Serbian security institutions or working as mercenaries.
“Whether they are current or retired professionals from Serbian security institutions, or mercenaries, the attack required significant expertise,” Ramadani noted. “The FBI’s equipment and surveillance capabilities, including aerial and space surveillance, are crucial for the investigation.”
Ramadani contrasted the level of international investigation between the Ibër-Lepenc attack and the Banjskë attack, stating that while Kosovo authorities conducted investigations in Banjskë, international mechanisms did not engage in criminal investigations in the same manner as they are doing with the Ibër-Lepenc case.
“The investigation of Banjskë was handled by Kosovo institutions, whereas the international mechanisms conducted their own investigations for their purposes, not as a criminal investigation,” he added.
This first-time cooperation with the FBI represents a significant step in Kosovo’s efforts to uncover the truth behind the Ibër-Lepenc attack and potential links to Serbia.
