Today marks 26 years since the heroic death of the national martyr, Mensur Zyberaj, born on July 7, 1965, in the village of Drenaj in Anadrini.
After finishing high school, despite being persecuted for “hostile activities,” Mensur enrolled in the Faculty of Economics at the University of Prishtina. During his studies, he expanded his patriotic activities and connections with key figures of the national resistance such as Lahi Ibrahimaj, Rexhep Selimi, Kadri Veseli, Hashim Thaçi, and especially the inspirational professor Ukshin Hoti.
Mensur Zyberaj actively participated in armed actions against Serbian police posts and checkpoints, including the successful destruction of the Drinas Police Station alongside his comrades Feim and Bedrush Gashi, who also became national martyrs.
He continued his work by organizing and collaborating with fighters from Drenica, including the legendary commander Adem Jashari. Mensur took on important roles in the logistics sector of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), supported by his brother Osman Zyberaj and Isuf Sherif Gashi, two key pillars of the KLA’s organization.
On April 26, 1998, the Kosovo Liberation Army publicly emerged in the village of Drenaj, which became a stronghold. Mensur led the local operational staff, coordinating various military actions and expanding the resistance throughout the Anadrini region.
Throughout the intense fighting in 1998 and 1999, Mensur Zyberaj demonstrated extraordinary leadership and courage. He was heavily involved in frontline battles, including the significant Battle of Bardhatin and other confrontations where many comrades fell.
Mensur fell heroically on May 28, 1999, in the field of honor on the hills and valleys of Mileska, fighting against Serbian forces during one of the fiercest battles of the conflict.
His remains were initially taken by Serbian forces but were later recovered and reburied on June 30, 1999, in his home village Drenaj, alongside other heroes of the liberation struggle.
