Today marks 26 years since the start of the Battle of Pastrik

On this day, 26 years ago, the Battle of Pastrik began, a ground invasion attempt as part of the 1999 NATO intervention against the then-Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

The fighting at Pastrik lasted from May 26 to June 14, and the operation was codenamed “Arrow 2.”

The battle began in the early morning hours of May 26 near the Gorozup outpost and then spread across the entire Pastrik region.

This part of the border with Albania was defended by members of the 549th Motorized Brigade, while on the NATO side, between 10,000 and 12,000 members of the KLA (Kosovo Liberation Army) were involved, supported by regular Albanian forces.

NATO provided air support with 24 Apache attack helicopters and B-52 strategic bombers.

According to operational data from the Yugoslav Army, between 5,000 and 6,000 members of the KLA's “Hawk” operational group participated in the attack on Pastrik, along with between 500 and 1,000 members of the Atlantic Brigade, made up of Albanian volunteers from the United States, as well as units of the 2nd Infantry Division of the Albanian Armed Forces.

The same sources state that among the attackers was also a detachment of mujahideen who had previously fought in other conflicts in the Western Balkans.

The Battle of Pastrik was marked by the heavy use of artillery and air strikes on Yugoslav positions.

At the same time, strategic bombers were also used.

According to military data, over 2,000 tons of bombs were dropped on Pastrik during this period.

Although the agreement to end the war was officially signed on June 9 in Kumanovo, the fighting at Pastrik continued until June 14.

For its demonstrated bravery, the 549th Motorized Brigade was awarded the Order of the National Hero after the war.

The battle is also remembered for a statement by the then-commander of the brigade, General Bozidar Delic: “No retreat, Serbia is behind us.”