Skopje, 8 August 2025 (MIA) – Honour to the heroes of Karpalak. Their actions and sacrifice are remembered, their courage and determination are respected, wrote Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski on Facebook, marking the anniversary of the deaths of the Macedonian defenders at Karpalak during the 2001 conflict.

“Let their sacrifice serve as a legacy for future generations — a reminder that freedom, peace, and dignity are sacred. We remember Karpalak as a solemn obligation: to build a country where there is no place for hatred, division, or injustice, and where the freedom of our homeland is inviolable. Macedonia will never forget you. Karpalak is a wound — but also a legacy,” Mickoski wrote.

On August 8, 2001, an Army convoy was ambushed near the village of Karpalak. Ten soldiers, all army reservists, including Sasho Kitanoski, Nane Naumoski, Branko Sekuloski, Marko Despotoski, Erdovan Shabanoski, Ljube Grujoski, Darko Veljanoski, Vebi Rushitoski, Goran Minoski and Pece Sekuloski, were killed in the incident.

Photo: MIA archive