Dimcevski: Kosare is and will remain a symbol of the greatest and longest heroic fight in defense of the homeland

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Dragutin Dimcevski, the wartime commander of the Kosare watchtower and deputy of the 53rd border battalion, assessed for Kosovo Online that this battle was a symbol of the greatest and longest heroic fight in defense of the homeland and that the Yugoslav Army had not been militarily defeated at that time.

"Kosare is and will remain a symbol of the greatest and longest heroic fight in defense of the homeland against NATO aggression, thanks to the dedication and courage of a youth who defended and protected the homeland without sparing their lives," Dimcevski says.

He emphasizes that the memories of the days during the battle for Kosare, from April 9 to June 14, have not faded even today, 25 years later, neither for him nor for his comrades.

Dimcevski said that they continued to fight for Kosare even today, but now to uncover the real truth.

"We are still fighting for Kosare to bring the truth to light because there are a large number of false fighters and commanders appearing. Everyone is making movies, writing books based on falsehoods, and there are no real participants anywhere. Those who were in the battle at Kosare for 67 days," he emphasizes.

He points out that the battles for Kosare were part of NATO's ground intervention in 1999 and that he is very proud to have commanded during that battle.
"The ground aggression did not succeed, we were not militarily defeated. Even today, after so many years, I analyze the decisions I made during the battle at Kosare. The conclusion is that I acted correctly and would do the same if needed. I am very proud to have commanded in the battle at Kosare and I commend my comrades," he emphasizes.

He says it is very difficult for him to single out any particular event from the 67 days of fighting, but undoubtedly the most difficult were the beginning of the attacks - from April 9 to 11 and then during Easter, from May 1 to 6.

"The fiercest attacks were during our holidays. And of all the days, the most tragic was Easter, April 11, when during an extremely difficult battle, we suffered the greatest losses. Eight fighters were killed, seven soldiers serving their regular military service, and one non-commissioned officer; ten more fighters were injured. But these losses did not diminish our combat morale, they only spurred us to greater determination to persevere in that unequal battle in defense of the Kosare region. With our skills, training, perseverance, and determination, we completed the task. We stopped the enemy at the border, inflicted losses on them, and thus militarily defended the homeland," Dimcevski concludes.