Prishtina, 24 September 2023 (MIA) - Members of the American KFOR and EULEX came at the scene after one policeman was killed and another wounded early Sunday during an armed attack by masked persons in the village of Banjska, Leposavikj, in north Kosovo.

Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on his Facebook page that around 3:00 am Sunday, the Kosovo police were attacked in Banjska, and as a result of the attack, Police sergeant A.B. was killed, while another policeman was wounded. He added that the gunfire continued this morning.

"Organised crime with political, financial and logistical support from officials in Belgrade is attacking our country," he added.

The border crossing point in Brnjak and Jarinje with Serbia have been closed.

Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani stated that this attack was planned, orchestrated and executed by Serbian criminal groups during the performance of police duties.

Serbia’s parliamentary speaker Vladimir Orlic said Kurti “was quick to blame the Serbs,” adding that Kurti was the one who wanted an “escalation."

“He (Kurti) said it was some kind of organised action by professionals,” Orlic told local Prva television station. “They must have been identified, and he knows who they are and what they are, and everything is clear.”

The incident comes more than a week after talks between the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo centred on improving ties failed to make a breakthrough during EU-mediated negotiations in Brussels.

Photo: MIA archive