The Minister of Defense of Serbia, Miloš Vučević
Oct 5,
2023. Posted by Balkan Periscope - Hellas
Serbian
Defense Minister Miloš Vučević made a statement on October 4 regarding the
reduction of troops “along the administrative line” with Kosovo, which has
decreased from 8,350 to less than 4,500. Vučević emphasized that this reduction
signifies a “redeployment of forces” rather than a complete withdrawal.
According to Vučević, the troops are being relocated back to their respective garrisons, barracks, and regular duties.
He firmly
denied any allegations suggesting that Serbia was preparing to take any offensive
actions, such as assembling units or training groups involved in the recent
conflict in Banjska, located in north Kosovo.
The United
States had urged Serbia on September 29 to withdraw its troops from the Kosovo
border.
On October
3, the White House announced that Serbia had initiated the withdrawal of its
forces from the Kosovo border, which was seen as a positive development.
National
Security Council spokesperson John Kirby noted that while this move would help
alleviate tensions, it might not completely eliminate them.
The
deployment of Serbian troops along the Kosovo border began following an armed
group’s attack on the Kosovo Police in Banjska on September 24.
The
incident resulted in the tragic death of a Kosovo Police officer, Afrim
Bunjaku, and three Serbian attackers were also killed in the ensuing exchange
of fire.
On
September 29, Milan Radojičić claimed responsibility for organizing and
executing the attack in Banjska.
On the same
day, he resigned from his position as deputy leader of the Serb List, the
largest party representing Serbs in Kosovo and backed by the official Belgrade.
Radojičić
was subsequently detained by Serbian authorities for 48 hours on October 3, but
was released in the morning of October 4.
He faces
accusations of procuring weapons, ammunition, and high-powered explosive
devices from Tuzla in Bosnia and Herzegovina, spanning from January 2023 until
September 24.
It’s worth
noting that Radojičić vehemently denies involvement in these alleged crimes.
Euronews
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