Kosovo defense minister warns of ongoing threat from Serbia

Jan 7, 2025 - Kosovo’s Defence Minister, Ejup Maqedonci, has issued a warning that Serbia continues to pose a significant threat to his country’s sovereignty. Speaking to RTSH24, Maqedonci said recent attacks in Kosovo are part of a broader strategy by Belgrade to undermine the young nation’s independence.

He pointed to two key incidents: the September 2023 armed assault in the northern village of Banjska and the November 2024 attack on critical infrastructure. “These will not be the last attacks against Kosovo,” he warned.

The defence minister accused Serbia of adopting a hegemonic and aggressive stance, underpinned by its refusal to recognise Kosovo’s independence. “Serbia’s constitution still claims the Republic of Kosovo as part of its territory. This shows the political and security ambitions Belgrade has towards us and the region,” he said.

Maqedonci also criticised Serbia for protecting those responsible for the Banjska attack, describing their continued freedom as a “security risk” for Kosovo. “The group behind the September 24 assault remains in Serbia, unpunished and free to carry out activities against Kosovo. The lack of international pressure on Belgrade to extradite them is deeply concerning,” he added.

Tensions in the Balkans remain high since Kosovo declared independence in 2008, a move Serbia refuses to accept. The Banjska attack, which left one police officer dead, was described as one of the most serious incidents in recent years.

Maqedonci called on the international community to step up efforts to hold Serbia accountable, warning that unresolved disputes could destabilise the region.