Skopje, 9 August 2024 (MIA) - The memorial plaque of the fallen defenders near the village of Karpalak has been damaged, the Ministry of Defence said Friday, condemning the act.

"The event has been registered by the competent services of the Ministry in the morning hours. It was immediately reported to the Ministry of Interior, to take appropriate measures to identify the perpetrators of this unfortunate act. Following the appropriate diplomatic lines, the case was also reported to the international community," Minister of Defence Vlado Misajlovski posted on Facebook. 

The Ministry of Defence announced that it is taking steps to place a new memorial plaque as soon as possible.

In addition, the Ministry of Defence, in coordination with the competent institutions, is considering all legal possibilities for setting up a dignified memorial.

Thursday marked the 23-year anniversary of the tragic incident when ten defenders were killed in an ambush near the Prilep village of Karpalak on Aug. 8, 2001. The ten army reservists who were killed in the August 8, 2001, Karpalak ambush were Sasho Kitanoski, Nane Naumoski, Branko Sekuloski, Marko Despotoski, Erdovan Shabanoski, Ljube Grujoski, Darko Veljanoski, Vebi Rushitoski, Goran Minoski, and Pece Sekuloski.

Photo: Defence Minister Vlado Misajlovski Facebook