Sveçla: The terrorist attack in Banjska remains an unresolved case

Kosovo's Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, emphasized at the forum within the Brdo Process held in Slovenia that the attack in Banjska remains an unresolved case.

Sveçla stated on Facebook that, at the invitation of Slovenia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Boshtjan Poklukar, he is in Slovenia to participate in the forum of interior ministers within the Brdo Process.

He highlighted that the forum is also attended by Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner.

“During the panel, we discussed the real dangers of our time—terrorism and human trafficking—against which intensified cooperation is needed for effective suppression,” said Sveçla.

He stated that in his address, he outlined the achievements in combating terrorism, as well as the challenges Kosovo faces in this regard “due to Serbia’s continuous attacks aimed at destabilizing the security situation.”

“I emphasized that the terrorist attack in Banjska on September 24, 2023, remains an unresolved case and that the masterminds behind the crime are still at large. I also pointed out that in just the second half of 2024, there have been 11 attacks involving explosive devices in Kosovo, including attacks on the police station in Zvecan and the municipal building, as well as on the Ibar-Lepenac water supply channel in Zubin Potok, which provides 60% of Kosovo’s drinking water,” Sveçla stated.

He added that Kosovo remains a success story in the fight against other forms of terrorism while strategically continuing to focus on prevention.

“In the context of combating human trafficking, I emphasized the importance of cooperation between our institutions as the main mechanism for dismantling criminal networks involved in this activity and bringing them to justice, as well as ensuring effective victim protection. The Republic of Kosovo remains active and ready to cooperate in the fight against any illegal activity that threatens security, peace, and stability,” Sveçla concluded.