Battle of Vërrin: Difference between revisions
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| place = Territory of [[Vërrin]], [[District of Prizren]] |
| place = Territory of [[Vërrin]], [[District of Prizren]] |
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| partof = the [[Kosovo War]] |
| partof = the [[Kosovo War]] |
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| date = '''Fighting in the year of 1998 took place on: |
| date = '''Fighting in the year of 1998 took place on: ''' |
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7 and 16 July, |
7 and 16 July, and 1–7 September<br>'''Fighting in the year of 1999 took place on:'''11 and 17 March, 20, 22, 24 and 26 April, 2, 14, 17, 19, 21, 30 and 31 May, 1–5 June |
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| image = Prizren in Kosovo (Kosovo independent).svg |
| image = Prizren in Kosovo (Kosovo independent).svg |
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| image_size = |
| image_size = |
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| caption = The District of Prizren |
| caption = The District of Prizren |
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| territory = KLA retains control of Ješkovo<br />[[Incident in Lez|Yugoslav forces capture Lez]] |
| territory = KLA retains control of Ješkovo<br />[[Incident in Lez|Yugoslav forces capture Lez]] |
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| combatant1 = [[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] [[Kosovo Liberation Army]] |
| combatant1 = [[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] [[Kosovo Liberation Army]]<br> {{Flagicon|NATO}} '''[[NATO]]''' |
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{{Flagicon|NATO}} '''[[NATO]]''' |
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| combatant2 = {{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} [[FR Yugoslavia]] |
| combatant2 = {{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} [[FR Yugoslavia]] |
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| commander1 = [[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] [[Ekrem Rexha]]<br />[[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] [[Zafir Berisha]]<br />[[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] [[Agim Shala]] |
| commander1 = [[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] [[Ekrem Rexha]]<br />[[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] [[Zafir Berisha]]<br />[[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] [[Agim Shala]] {{KIA}}<br> {{Flagicon|NATO}} Wesley Clark |
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{{Flagicon|NATO}}Wesley Clark |
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| commander2 = {{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} Bozidar Delić |
| commander2 = {{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} Bozidar Delić |
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| units1 = [[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] 125th Brigade |
| units1 = [[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] 125th Brigade |
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| units2 = {{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} 549.Motorized Brigade Prizren |
| units2 = {{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} 549.Motorized Brigade Prizren <br> {{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} [[Police of Serbia]] |
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| strength1 = ''' 1998:''' [[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] 350 Soldiers <br> ''' 1999:''' [[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] 450 Soldiers |
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{{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} [[Police of Serbia]] |
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⚫ | |||
| strength1 =''' 1998: |
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[[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] |
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350 Soldiers |
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''' 1999: |
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[[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] 450 Soldiers |
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⚫ | |||
| casualties1 = [[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] 53 killed |
| casualties1 = [[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] 53 killed |
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{{flagdeco|Albania|1992}} 67 Civilians killed<ref name="gazetaprizrenit1">{{cite web |title=Beteja për liri a vdekje në Vrri-Prizren, midis UÇK-së dhe forcave serbe |url=https://gazetaeprizrenit.net/beteja-per-liri-a-vdekje-ne-vrri-prizren-midis-uck-se-dhe-forcave-serbe/ |website=gazetaprizrenit.net |date=1 September 2018 |access-date=2024-05-12}}</ref> |
{{flagdeco|Albania|1992}} 67 Civilians killed<ref name="gazetaprizrenit1">{{cite web |title=Beteja për liri a vdekje në Vrri-Prizren, midis UÇK-së dhe forcave serbe |url=https://gazetaeprizrenit.net/beteja-per-liri-a-vdekje-ne-vrri-prizren-midis-uck-se-dhe-forcave-serbe/ |website=gazetaprizrenit.net |date=1 September 2018 |access-date=2024-05-12}}</ref> |
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| casualties2 = {{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}}21 killed<ref name="549mtbr" |
| casualties2 = {{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}}21 killed<ref name="549mtbr"/> |
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{{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} 4 Policemen killed |
{{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} 4 Policemen killed |
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{{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} 5 wounded<ref name="danas">{{Cite web|url=https://www.danas.rs/dijalog/licni-stavovi/ubijeno-petnaest-pripadnika-ovk-ranjena-dva-policajca/|title=Fifteen KLA members were killed, two police officers were wounded|date=2008-09-03|website=danas.rs|language=sr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030032255/https://www.danas.rs/dijalog/licni-stavovi/ubijeno-petnaest-pripadnika-ovk-ranjena-dva-policajca/|archive-date=2021-10-30}}</ref><ref name="gazetaprizrenit3">{{Cite web|url=https://gazetaeprizrenit.net/beteja-per-liri-a-vdekje-ne-vrri-prizren-midis-uck-se-dhe-forcave-serbe/|title=The battle for freedom and death in Vrri-Prizren, between KLA and Serbian forces|date=2018-09-01|website=gazetaeprizrenit.net|language=sq|access-date=2024-05-19}}</ref> |
{{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} 5 wounded<ref name="danas">{{Cite web|url=https://www.danas.rs/dijalog/licni-stavovi/ubijeno-petnaest-pripadnika-ovk-ranjena-dva-policajca/|title=Fifteen KLA members were killed, two police officers were wounded|date=2008-09-03|website=danas.rs|language=sr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030032255/https://www.danas.rs/dijalog/licni-stavovi/ubijeno-petnaest-pripadnika-ovk-ranjena-dva-policajca/|archive-date=2021-10-30}}</ref><ref name="gazetaprizrenit3">{{Cite web|url=https://gazetaeprizrenit.net/beteja-per-liri-a-vdekje-ne-vrri-prizren-midis-uck-se-dhe-forcave-serbe/|title=The battle for freedom and death in Vrri-Prizren, between KLA and Serbian forces|date=2018-09-01|website=gazetaeprizrenit.net|language=sq|access-date=2024-05-19}}</ref> |
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| result = '''First battle:''' KLA victory<ref name="gazetaprizrenit2">{{Cite web |date=2018-07-16 |title=20 vjet nga beteja e parë e UÇK-së në komunën e Prizrenit |url=https://gazetaeprizrenit.net/20-vjet-nga-beteja-e-pare-e-uck-se-ne-komunen-e-prizrenit/ |website=gazetaprizrenit.net |access-date=2024-05-03 |language=en}}</ref><br>'''Second battle:''' |
| result = '''First battle:''' KLA victory<ref name="gazetaprizrenit2">{{Cite web |date=2018-07-16 |title=20 vjet nga beteja e parë e UÇK-së në komunën e Prizrenit |url=https://gazetaeprizrenit.net/20-vjet-nga-beteja-e-pare-e-uck-se-ne-komunen-e-prizrenit/ |website=gazetaprizrenit.net |access-date=2024-05-03 |language=en}}</ref><br>'''Second battle:''' Yugoslav victory <ref>{{Cite book |last=Drecun |first=Milovan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xXmWAAAACAAJ |title=Drugi kosovski boj |date=2004 |publisher=M. Drecun |isbn=978-86-84771-09-6 |pages=73 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-09-03 |title=Ubijeno petnaest pripadnika OVK, ranjena dva policajca - Lični stavovi - Dnevni list Danas |url=https://www.danas.rs/dijalog/licni-stavovi/ubijeno-petnaest-pripadnika-ovk-ranjena-dva-policajca/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |language=sr-RS}}</ref>}} |
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⚫ | |||
The '''Battle of Vërrin''' ([[Albanian language|Albanian]]: Beteja e Vërrinit; [[Serbian language|Serbian]]: битка код Верина, [[Romanization|romanized]]: Bitka kod Verina) was fought during the [[Kosovo War]] between the [[Kosovo Liberation Army]] (KLA) and the [[Police of Serbia|Yugoslav Police]] (Milicija). The first battle of Vërrin was fought on July 16 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2013-07-16 |title=Përkujtohet Beteja e 16 Korrikut të UÇK-së |url=https://prizrenpress.com/perkujtohet-beteja-16-korrikut-te-uck-se/ |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=PrizrenPress - Portal informativ |language=sq}}</ref> During the period from September 1 to 5, 1998, [[Police of Serbia|Yugoslav Milicija]] units conducted an operation against the [[Kosovo Liberation Army|KLA]]. As part of this action, KLA positions located near [[Prizren]], in the villages of Lezë, Jeshkovë, Kushtendillë, Lybeçevë, and Hoçë e Qytetit were attacked. However, the primary engagement occurred in the village of Jeshkovo."<ref name="danas" /> This was the first battle in the Prizren District during the [[Kosovo War]].<ref name="gazetaprizrenit1" /> |
The '''Battle of Vërrin''' ([[Albanian language|Albanian]]: Beteja e Vërrinit; [[Serbian language|Serbian]]: битка код Верина, [[Romanization|romanized]]: Bitka kod Verina) was fought during the [[Kosovo War]] between the [[Kosovo Liberation Army]] (KLA) and the [[Police of Serbia|Yugoslav Police]] (Milicija). The first battle of Vërrin was fought on July 16, 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2013-07-16 |title=Përkujtohet Beteja e 16 Korrikut të UÇK-së |url=https://prizrenpress.com/perkujtohet-beteja-16-korrikut-te-uck-se/ |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=PrizrenPress - Portal informativ |language=sq}}</ref> During the period from September 1 to 5, 1998, [[Police of Serbia|Yugoslav Milicija]] units conducted an operation against the [[Kosovo Liberation Army|KLA]]. As part of this action, KLA positions located near [[Prizren]], in the villages of Lezë, Jeshkovë, Kushtendillë, Lybeçevë, and Hoçë e Qytetit were attacked. However, the primary engagement occurred in the village of Jeshkovo."<ref name="danas" /> This was the first battle in the Prizren District during the [[Kosovo War]].<ref name="gazetaprizrenit1" /> |
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== Background == |
== Background == |
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On July 7, |
On July 7, 1998, Yugoslav forces failed to liquidate a KLA unit in Billushe and Hoqa e Qytetit, and were forced to retreat.<ref name="prizrenpress">{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2023-07-16 |title=25 vite më parë, beteja për liri a vdekje në Vërri të Prizrenit |url=https://prizrenpress.com/374038-2/ |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=PrizrenPress - Portal informativ |language=sq}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Radio Omega 3 |url=https://radio-omega3.org/vest/zafir-beri-a-pre-26-godina-zapo-eo-sam-poslednju-bitku-za-slobodu-i-smrt-na-kosovu |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=radio-omega3.org}}</ref> The [[Armed Forces of Serbia and Montenegro|Yugoslav army]] and [[Police of Serbia|police]] pledged retaliation for the clashes, strategizing an offensive against KLA positions in what had been declared a KLA free zone.<ref name="prizrenpress" /> |
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== Battle of 16 July == |
== Battle of 16 July == |
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Around 1:30 PM, the Yugoslav forces tried to enter from the Tusus neighborhood, in the direction of [[Leskovec, Kosovo|Leskovec]], [[Lybeçeva]], and towards the village of [[Hoçë e Qytetit]].<ref name="gazetaprizrenit2" /> KLA forces started attacking the Yugoslav forces.<ref name="gazetaprizrenit2" /> The first day of confrontation between the two forces lasted 3 hours and 40 minutes.<ref name="gazetaprizrenit2" /> On the part of the KLA soldiers, there were neither killed nor injured, while the Yugoslav forces were separated with losses.<ref name="gazetaprizrenit2" /> |
Around 1:30 PM, the Yugoslav forces tried to enter from the Tusus neighborhood, in the direction of [[Leskovec, Kosovo|Leskovec]], [[Lybeçeva]], and towards the village of [[Hoçë e Qytetit]].<ref name="gazetaprizrenit2" /> KLA forces started attacking the Yugoslav forces.<ref name="gazetaprizrenit2" /> The first day of confrontation between the two forces lasted 3 hours and 40 minutes.<ref name="gazetaprizrenit2" /> On the part of the KLA soldiers, there were neither killed nor injured, while the Yugoslav forces were separated with losses.<ref name="gazetaprizrenit2" /> |
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== |
== Battle of 1–7 September == |
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On August 14, 1998, Commander Remzi Ademaj „Petrit Kodra“ with a little group of soldiers have made their way from the KLA Headquarters in Ješkovo to the KLA Headquarters in Kijevo, Malisevo. There Remzi Ademaj became new Taskes and was promoted to the General of the ZOP(Operative Zone of Pashtriku). On August 15 at the Time of 11 PM the Group drives back to Ješkovo but stopping in the Village of Nashec because they have seen a Serbian Police Checkpoint that was blocking the Road where they needed to drive trough. The little Group of KLA forces started attacking the Serbian Police wounding Srecko Aleksic and Goroljub Dordevic. The Serbian Police started to attack back wounding Shukri Quni, Sami Saitaj „Shqiponja“ and killing KLA Commander Remzi Ademaj. Commander Xhevat Berisha have taken the wounded Soldier Shukri Quni and drove with him to the Vërrin Region. The wounded Soldier Sami Saitaj and the body of the dead Commander Remzi Ademaj stayed at a House in the neighborhood of the Village Nashec till the Next Morning. On 16 August Sami Saitaj with the Body of Remzi Ademaj drove to the nearby KLA Military Hospital. Remzi Ademaj was later buried in the Village of Lybeçeva. |
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== Battle of 1-7 September == |
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{{Short description|Kosovo War, 1998}} |
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{{unreliable sources|date=May 2024}} |
{{unreliable sources|date=May 2024}} |
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{{Infobox military conflict |
{{Infobox military conflict |
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| conflict = Battle of |
| conflict = Battle of 1–7 September |
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| place = Territory of [[Vërrin]], [[District of Prizren]] |
| place = Territory of [[Vërrin]], [[District of Prizren]] |
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| partof = the [[Kosovo War]] |
| partof = the [[Kosovo War]] |
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| date = |
| date = 1–7 September 1998 |
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| image = Prizren in Kosovo (Kosovo independent).svg |
| image = Prizren in Kosovo (Kosovo independent).svg |
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| image_size = |
| image_size = |
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| caption = The District of Prizren |
| caption = The District of Prizren |
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| territory = KLA retains control of |
| territory = KLA retains control of the Vërrini Region<br />[[Incident in Lez|Yugoslav forces capture Lez]] |
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| combatant1 = [[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] [[Kosovo Liberation Army]] |
| combatant1 = [[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] [[Kosovo Liberation Army]] |
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| combatant2 = {{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} [[FR Yugoslavia]] |
| combatant2 = {{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} [[FR Yugoslavia]] |
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Line 66: | Line 51: | ||
„Commander of the Zone of Pashtriku“ |
„Commander of the Zone of Pashtriku“ |
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[[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] [[Naser Berisha]]<br /> |
[[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] [[Naser Berisha]]<br /> |
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„General of the 1st Battalion„ |
„General of the 1st Battalion„ |
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[[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] [[Agim Shala]] |
[[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] [[Agim Shala]] |
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Line 72: | Line 57: | ||
[[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] [[Zafir Berisha]]<br /> |
[[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] [[Zafir Berisha]]<br /> |
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„General of the 2nd Battalion“ |
„General of the 2nd Battalion“ |
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[[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] |
[[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] |
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[[Selajdin Berisha]]<br /> |
[[Selajdin Berisha]]<br /> |
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„Commander of the Military Police““ |
„Commander of the Military Police““ |
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| commander2 = {{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} unknown |
| commander2 = {{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} unknown |
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| units1 = [[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] 125th Brigade |
| units1 = [[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] 125th Brigade |
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⚫ | |||
[[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] |
| strength1 = [[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] 350 Soldiers |
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| |
| strength2 = {{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} unknown |
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{{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} [[Police of Serbia]] |
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| strength1 = |
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[[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] 350 Soldiers |
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⚫ | |||
| casualties1 = [[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] 27 killed<ref name="gazetaprizrenit1">{{cite web |title=Beteja për liri a vdekje në Vrri-Prizren, midis UÇK-së dhe forcave serbe |url=https://gazetaeprizrenit.net/beteja-per-liri-a-vdekje-ne-vrri-prizren-midis-uck-se-dhe-forcave-serbe/ |website=gazetaprizrenit.net |date=1 September 2018 |access-date=2024-05-12}}</ref> |
| casualties1 = [[File:Emblema_e_UÇK-së.svg|22px]] 27 killed<ref name="gazetaprizrenit1">{{cite web |title=Beteja për liri a vdekje në Vrri-Prizren, midis UÇK-së dhe forcave serbe |url=https://gazetaeprizrenit.net/beteja-per-liri-a-vdekje-ne-vrri-prizren-midis-uck-se-dhe-forcave-serbe/ |website=gazetaprizrenit.net |date=1 September 2018 |access-date=2024-05-12}}</ref> |
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{{flagdeco|Albania|1992}} 42 Civilians killed |
{{flagdeco|Albania|1992}} 42 Civilians killed |
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| casualties2 = {{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} Unknown |
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| casualties2 = {{flagicon|FR Yugoslavia}} 3 wounded<ref name="danas">{{Cite web|url=https://www.danas.rs/dijalog/licni-stavovi/ubijeno-petnaest-pripadnika-ovk-ranjena-dva-policajca/|title=Fifteen KLA members were killed, two police officers were wounded|date=2008-09-03|website=danas.rs|language=sr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030032255/https://www.danas.rs/dijalog/licni-stavovi/ubijeno-petnaest-pripadnika-ovk-ranjena-dva-policajca/|archive-date=2021-10-30}}</ref><ref name="gazetaprizrenit3">{{Cite web|url=https://gazetaeprizrenit.net/beteja-per-liri-a-vdekje-ne-vrri-prizren-midis-uck-se-dhe-forcave-serbe/|title=The battle for freedom and death in Vrri-Prizren, between KLA and Serbian forces|date=2018-09-01|website=gazetaeprizrenit.net|language=sq|access-date=2024-05-19}}</ref> |
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| result = KLA victory<ref name="gazetaprizrenit2">{{Cite web |date=2018-07-16 |title=20 vjet nga beteja e parë e UÇK-së në komunën e Prizrenit |url=https://gazetaeprizrenit.net/20-vjet-nga-beteja-e-pare-e-uck-se-ne-komunen-e-prizrenit/ |website=gazetaprizrenit.net |access-date=2024-05-03 |language=en}}</ref><br><ref name="gazetaprizrenit3" /><ref name="04online"/> |
| result = KLA victory<ref name="gazetaprizrenit2">{{Cite web |date=2018-07-16 |title=20 vjet nga beteja e parë e UÇK-së në komunën e Prizrenit |url=https://gazetaeprizrenit.net/20-vjet-nga-beteja-e-pare-e-uck-se-ne-komunen-e-prizrenit/ |website=gazetaprizrenit.net |access-date=2024-05-03 |language=en}}</ref><br><ref name="gazetaprizrenit3" /><ref name="04online"/> |
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}} |
}} |
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The |
The Battle of 1–7 September was fought during the [[Kosovo War]] between the [[Kosovo Liberation Army]] (KLA) and the [[Police of Serbia|Yugoslav Police]] (Milicija). During the period from September 1 to 7, 1998, [[Police of Serbia|Yugoslav Milicija]] units conducted an operation against the [[Kosovo Liberation Army|KLA]]. As part of this action, KLA positions located near [[Prizren]], in the villages of Lez, Jeshkovë, Kushtendillë, Lybeçevë, and Hoçë e Qytetit were attacked. However, the primary engagement occurred in the village of Jeshkovo."<ref name="danas" /> This was the first battle in the Prizren District during the [[Kosovo War]].<ref name="gazetaprizrenit1" /> |
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On Monday, August 31, [[Police of Serbia|Yugoslav Police]] surrounded Lez. By Tuesday morning, September 1, 1998, around 8:00 a.m, they commenced shelling KLA positions in the hills surrounding the village. The villagers fled to nearby Lybeçevë, while the [[Kosovo Liberation Army|KLA]] members remained. The night before the second offensive, the KLA had information about large movements of Yugoslav troops around the territories where the KLA positions were located.<ref name="prizrenisot">{{Cite web |last=ramiberisha |date=2022-09-01 |title=ME 1 SHTATOR 1998 NUK FILLOI VITI I RI SHKOLLOR, POR FILLOI BETEJA E UÇK PËR LIRI A VDEKJE KUNDËR SERBISË, NË RAJONIN E VËRRINIT! |url=https://prizrenisot.net/me-1-shtator-1998-nuk-filloi-viti-i-ri-shkollor-por-filloi-beteja-e-uck-per-liri-a-vdekje-kunder-serbise-ne-rajonin-e-verrinit/ |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Prizreni Sot |language=en-US}}</ref> The KLA soldiers were all in a state of readiness in their positions, with the command of the 125th brigade being put into action.<ref name="prizrenisot" /> |
On Monday, August 31, [[Police of Serbia|Yugoslav Police]] surrounded Lez. By Tuesday morning, September 1, 1998, around 8:00 a.m, they commenced shelling KLA positions in the hills surrounding the village. The villagers fled to nearby Lybeçevë, while the [[Kosovo Liberation Army|KLA]] members remained. The night before the second offensive, the KLA had information about large movements of Yugoslav troops around the territories where the KLA positions were located.<ref name="prizrenisot">{{Cite web |last=ramiberisha |date=2022-09-01 |title=ME 1 SHTATOR 1998 NUK FILLOI VITI I RI SHKOLLOR, POR FILLOI BETEJA E UÇK PËR LIRI A VDEKJE KUNDËR SERBISË, NË RAJONIN E VËRRINIT! |url=https://prizrenisot.net/me-1-shtator-1998-nuk-filloi-viti-i-ri-shkollor-por-filloi-beteja-e-uck-per-liri-a-vdekje-kunder-serbise-ne-rajonin-e-verrinit/ |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Prizreni Sot |language=en-US}}</ref> The KLA soldiers were all in a state of readiness in their positions, with the command of the 125th brigade being put into action.<ref name="prizrenisot" /> |
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The 1st Battalion observed Yugoslav movements towards the top of Cyileni, commanders [[Salajdin Berisha]] and [[Xhevat Berisha]] with a part of the soldiers went to Cyilen.<ref name="prizrenisot" /> On September 1, 1998, at around 7 am, Yugoslav forces began the offensive against KLA positions.<ref name="prizrenisot" /> Initially, the attack began in the village of Lez, where fierce fighting took place and Yugoslav forces were met with heavy resistance.<ref name="prizrenisot" /> At a |
The 1st Battalion observed Yugoslav movements towards the top of Cyileni, commanders [[Salajdin Berisha]] and [[Xhevat Berisha]] with a part of the soldiers went to Cyilen.<ref name="prizrenisot" /> On September 1, 1998, at around 7 am, Yugoslav forces began the offensive against KLA positions.<ref name="prizrenisot" /> Initially, the attack began in the village of Lez, where fierce fighting took place and Yugoslav forces were met with heavy resistance.<ref name="prizrenisot" /> At a position called Livadhet te Lavdicës, a grenade exploded in the trench at this position, resulting in the deaths of four KLA members.<ref name="danas" /> Additionally, six KLA members were killed in the same position during the exchange of fire with the police.<ref name="danas" /> 3 more KLA soldiers were killed.<ref name="danas" /> Those killed were identified as KLA soldiers Xhevat Berisha, Salajdin Berisha, Shefqet Berisha, Hasim Berisha, Nehat Berisha, Alajdin Berisha, Bekim Berisha, Shahadin Berisha, Naip Berisha, Samidin Emini, Ibrahim Osmani, Asllan Berisha, and Izair Berisha.<ref name="04online">{{Cite web |date=2020-09-01 |title=Më 1 shtator 1998 nuk filloi viti i ri shkollor, por filloi beteja e UÇK-së për liri a vdekje në Vërri të Prizrenit |url=https://04online.info/me-1-shtator-1998-nuk-filloi-viti-i-ri-shkollor-por-filloi-beteja-e-uck-se-per-liri-a-vdekje-ne-verri-te-prizrenit/ |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=04 Online |language=en-GB}}</ref> |
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The fighting soon spread throughout the territory of Vërrin.<ref name="04online" /> The Yugoslav forces shelled the positions of the 2nd Battalion from a distance, while the Yugoslav infantry tried to enter the positions of the 1st Battalion.<ref name="04online" /> Around 5 pm, Yugoslav forces broke through a KLA position and captured Lez.<ref name="04online" /> In Lez, three policemen were wounded: Miroslav Rakonjac was wounded by automatic weapons around 2:00 |
The fighting soon spread throughout the territory of Vërrin.<ref name="04online" /> The Yugoslav forces shelled the positions of the 2nd Battalion from a distance, while the Yugoslav infantry tried to enter the positions of the 1st Battalion.<ref name="04online" /> Around 5 pm, Yugoslav forces broke through a KLA position and captured Lez.<ref name="04online" /> In Lez, three policemen were wounded: Miroslav Rakonjac was wounded by automatic weapons around 2:00 p.m., while Miroljub Ristić was seriously wounded, and Nenad Aleksić was lightly wounded by soldiers using automatic weapons, hand-held launchers, and mortars around 4:20 p.m.<ref name="danas" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Pripadnici Ministarstva unutrašnjih poslova - žrtve albanskog terorizma u 1998.godini |url=https://arhiva.srbija-info.gov.rs/vesti/1999-02/19/9779.html |website=arhiva.srbija-info.gov.rs |language=Serbian |date=18 February 1999}}</ref> |
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During the same night, while KLA soldiers were observing the terrain between the villages of Kushnin and Arbëri, the soldiers Tamil Shala, Refki Shala and Milaim Thaçi were ambushed.<ref name="04online" /> Yugoslav forces began penetrating towards the territory which was under KLA control. Kushnin, Arbëria, Lez, the headquarters of the 125th Brigade in Jeshkovë and the village itself, Hoça e Qytetit, Kushtrimi, Billushë, Poslisht as well as the KLA positions in Vërrin were shelled constantly by the Yugoslav forces.<ref name="04online" /> The shelling led to civilian casualties.<ref name="04online" /> |
During the same night, while KLA soldiers were observing the terrain between the villages of Kushnin and Arbëri, the soldiers Tamil Shala, Refki Shala and Milaim Thaçi were ambushed.<ref name="04online" /> Yugoslav forces began penetrating towards the territory which was under KLA control. Kushnin, Arbëria, Lez, the headquarters of the 125th Brigade in Jeshkovë and the village itself, Hoça e Qytetit, Kushtrimi, Billushë, Poslisht as well as the KLA positions in Vërrin were shelled constantly by the Yugoslav forces.<ref name="04online" /> The shelling led to civilian casualties.<ref name="04online" /> |
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The fighting continued on September 2, fierce fighting was concentrated in the village of Jeshkovo because of the Yugoslav goal of penetrating the headquarters of the 125th Brigade, which was located in Jeshkovo.<ref name="04online" /> During the afternoon of September 2, Agim Shala, Avdi Shala, Besim Shala, and Fatmir Berisha died.<ref name="04online" /> |
The fighting continued on September 2, fierce fighting was concentrated in the village of Jeshkovo because of the Yugoslav goal of penetrating the headquarters of the 125th Brigade, which was located in Jeshkovo.<ref name="04online" /> During the afternoon of September 2, Agim Shala, Avdi Shala, Besim Shala, and Fatmir Berisha died.<ref name="04online" /> |
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Heavy shelling continued at Kushtrim and Billushë, and Yugoslav forces tried to enter Dushkaja of Poslisht, then the positions of Tusus.<ref name="04online" /> After some positions of the 1st Battalion were broken, the position at Tusus was in danger and the command of the 1st Battalion retreats to the village of Arbëri, while the 2nd Battalion remained at their positions. Astret Poniku, and Arsim Poniku were killed.<ref name="04online" /> KLA forces held their positions against the Yugoslav forces, and Jeshkova was under KLA control.<ref name="04online" /> |
Heavy shelling continued at Kushtrim and Billushë, and Yugoslav forces tried to enter Dushkaja of Poslisht, then the positions of Tusus.<ref name="04online" /> After some positions of the 1st Battalion were broken, the position at Tusus was in danger and the command of the 1st Battalion retreats to the village of Arbëri, while the 2nd Battalion remained at their positions. Astret Poniku, and Arsim Poniku were killed.<ref name="04online" /> KLA forces held their positions against the Yugoslav forces, and Jeshkova was under KLA control.<ref name="04online" /> |
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== |
== Tusuz massacre == |
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On 26 May 1999, Serbian forces committed a massacre in the ethnic Albanian neighborhood of Tusuz, near Prizren, killing 27 civilians.<ref name="Massacre of Tusuz">{{cite web |title=President Osmani commemorated the anniversary of the Massacre in the Tusuz neighborhood of Prizren |url=https://president-ksgov.net/en/president-osmani-commemorated-the-anniversary-of-the-massacre-in-the-tusuz-neighborhood-of-prizren/ |website=president-ksgov.net |date=26 May 2024}}</ref> It followed the execution of brothers Enes and Fatmir Muharremi a week earlier in the neighborhood of Bilbildere.<ref>{{cite web |title=Under Orders: War Crimes (Prizren) |url=https://www.hrw.org/reports/2001/kosovo/undword-11A.html |website=hrw.org |publisher=Human Rights Watch |date=2001}}</ref> On 17 May, KLA forces had killed 3 Serbian soldiers following a clash with Yugoslav forces in Tusuz.<ref name="549mtbr"/> |
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On 17 May, 1999, in Tusuz, Prizren a clash erupted between the KLA and the Yugoslav forces. The KLA started attacking Yugoslav forces Killing Borislav Miloradoviya, Petar Stapar and Zabre Plevla.<ref name="549mtbr">[https://549mtbr.com/za-vecan-pomen-i-secanje/ 549mtbr], abgerufen am 12.10.2024.</ref> On the side of the KLA Soldier Afrim Krasniqi from the Village Arbëria was Killed. |
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== Massacre of Tusuz == |
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On 16 and 26 May, 1999, Serbian Forces have Massacred a Ethnic Albanian Neighborhood Tusuz, Prizren. Serbian forces Burned down Houses, Killed and have done other War Crimes. 8:30 in the Morning, Serbian Forces started burning Houses down, at 11:00 o’clock they started Killing Albanians till the Afternoon then they leaved. On 16th May they executed Enes and Farmir Muharremi. On 17th May, KLA forces killed 3 Serbian Soldiers in a Ambush.<ref name="549mtbr">[https://549mtbr.com/za-vecan-pomen-i-secanje/ 549mtbr], abgerufen am 12.10.2024.</ref> On 26th May, Serbian Forces killed 25 Civilians.<ref name="Massacre of Tusuz">[https://president-ksgov.net/en/president-osmani-commemorated-the-anniversary-of-the-massacre-in-the-tusuz-neighborhood-of-prizren/], abgerufen am 13.10.2024.</ref><ref name="Massacre of Tusuz“>[https://pashtriku.org/sheradin-berisha-masakra-e-tususit-krim-i-pandeshkuarii/], abgerufen am 15.10.2024.</ref> |
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== References == |
== References == |
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<ref name="549mtbr">[https://549mtbr.com/za-vecan-pomen-i-secanje/ |
<ref name="549mtbr">[https://549mtbr.com/za-vecan-pomen-i-secanje/ За вечан помен и сећање], 549mtbr.com, retrieved 16 October 2024.</ref> |
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<ref name="Massacre of Tusuz">[https://president-ksgov.net/en/president-osmani-commemorated-the-anniversary-of-the-massacre-in-the-tusuz-neighborhood-of-prizren/], abgerufen am 13.10.2024.</ref> |
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[[Category:Conflicts in 1998]] |
[[Category:Conflicts in 1998]] |
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[[Category:Military history of Yugoslavia]] |
[[Category:Military history of Yugoslavia]] |
Latest revision as of 19:42, 26 November 2024
Battle of Vërrin | |||||||||
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Part of the Kosovo War | |||||||||
The District of Prizren | |||||||||
| |||||||||
Belligerents | |||||||||
Kosovo Liberation Army NATO | FR Yugoslavia | ||||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
Ekrem Rexha Zafir Berisha Agim Shala † Wesley Clark | Bozidar Delić | ||||||||
Units involved | |||||||||
125th Brigade |
549.Motorized Brigade Prizren Police of Serbia | ||||||||
Strength | |||||||||
1998: 350 Soldiers 1999: 450 Soldiers | 4000 Soldiers (KLA claim) | ||||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||||
67 Civilians killed[4] |
21 killed[5] 5 wounded[6][7] |
The Battle of Vërrin (Albanian: Beteja e Vërrinit; Serbian: битка код Верина, romanized: Bitka kod Verina) was fought during the Kosovo War between the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and the Yugoslav Police (Milicija). The first battle of Vërrin was fought on July 16, 1998.[8] During the period from September 1 to 5, 1998, Yugoslav Milicija units conducted an operation against the KLA. As part of this action, KLA positions located near Prizren, in the villages of Lezë, Jeshkovë, Kushtendillë, Lybeçevë, and Hoçë e Qytetit were attacked. However, the primary engagement occurred in the village of Jeshkovo."[6] This was the first battle in the Prizren District during the Kosovo War.[4]
Background
[edit]On July 7, 1998, Yugoslav forces failed to liquidate a KLA unit in Billushe and Hoqa e Qytetit, and were forced to retreat.[9][10] The Yugoslav army and police pledged retaliation for the clashes, strategizing an offensive against KLA positions in what had been declared a KLA free zone.[9]
Battle of 16 July
[edit]Around 1:30 PM, the Yugoslav forces tried to enter from the Tusus neighborhood, in the direction of Leskovec, Lybeçeva, and towards the village of Hoçë e Qytetit.[1] KLA forces started attacking the Yugoslav forces.[1] The first day of confrontation between the two forces lasted 3 hours and 40 minutes.[1] On the part of the KLA soldiers, there were neither killed nor injured, while the Yugoslav forces were separated with losses.[1]
Battle of 1–7 September
[edit]Battle of 1–7 September | |||||||||
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Part of the Kosovo War | |||||||||
The District of Prizren | |||||||||
| |||||||||
Belligerents | |||||||||
Kosovo Liberation Army | FR Yugoslavia | ||||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
Ekrem Rexha Agim Shala „Commander of the Headquarters in Jeshkova“ Zafir Berisha | unknown | ||||||||
Units involved | |||||||||
125th Brigade | Unknown | ||||||||
Strength | |||||||||
350 Soldiers | unknown | ||||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||||
27 killed[4] 42 Civilians killed | Unknown |
The Battle of 1–7 September was fought during the Kosovo War between the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and the Yugoslav Police (Milicija). During the period from September 1 to 7, 1998, Yugoslav Milicija units conducted an operation against the KLA. As part of this action, KLA positions located near Prizren, in the villages of Lez, Jeshkovë, Kushtendillë, Lybeçevë, and Hoçë e Qytetit were attacked. However, the primary engagement occurred in the village of Jeshkovo."[6] This was the first battle in the Prizren District during the Kosovo War.[4]
On Monday, August 31, Yugoslav Police surrounded Lez. By Tuesday morning, September 1, 1998, around 8:00 a.m, they commenced shelling KLA positions in the hills surrounding the village. The villagers fled to nearby Lybeçevë, while the KLA members remained. The night before the second offensive, the KLA had information about large movements of Yugoslav troops around the territories where the KLA positions were located.[12] The KLA soldiers were all in a state of readiness in their positions, with the command of the 125th brigade being put into action.[12]
The 1st Battalion observed Yugoslav movements towards the top of Cyileni, commanders Salajdin Berisha and Xhevat Berisha with a part of the soldiers went to Cyilen.[12] On September 1, 1998, at around 7 am, Yugoslav forces began the offensive against KLA positions.[12] Initially, the attack began in the village of Lez, where fierce fighting took place and Yugoslav forces were met with heavy resistance.[12] At a position called Livadhet te Lavdicës, a grenade exploded in the trench at this position, resulting in the deaths of four KLA members.[6] Additionally, six KLA members were killed in the same position during the exchange of fire with the police.[6] 3 more KLA soldiers were killed.[6] Those killed were identified as KLA soldiers Xhevat Berisha, Salajdin Berisha, Shefqet Berisha, Hasim Berisha, Nehat Berisha, Alajdin Berisha, Bekim Berisha, Shahadin Berisha, Naip Berisha, Samidin Emini, Ibrahim Osmani, Asllan Berisha, and Izair Berisha.[11]
The fighting soon spread throughout the territory of Vërrin.[11] The Yugoslav forces shelled the positions of the 2nd Battalion from a distance, while the Yugoslav infantry tried to enter the positions of the 1st Battalion.[11] Around 5 pm, Yugoslav forces broke through a KLA position and captured Lez.[11] In Lez, three policemen were wounded: Miroslav Rakonjac was wounded by automatic weapons around 2:00 p.m., while Miroljub Ristić was seriously wounded, and Nenad Aleksić was lightly wounded by soldiers using automatic weapons, hand-held launchers, and mortars around 4:20 p.m.[6][13]
During the same night, while KLA soldiers were observing the terrain between the villages of Kushnin and Arbëri, the soldiers Tamil Shala, Refki Shala and Milaim Thaçi were ambushed.[11] Yugoslav forces began penetrating towards the territory which was under KLA control. Kushnin, Arbëria, Lez, the headquarters of the 125th Brigade in Jeshkovë and the village itself, Hoça e Qytetit, Kushtrimi, Billushë, Poslisht as well as the KLA positions in Vërrin were shelled constantly by the Yugoslav forces.[11] The shelling led to civilian casualties.[11]
The fighting continued on September 2, fierce fighting was concentrated in the village of Jeshkovo because of the Yugoslav goal of penetrating the headquarters of the 125th Brigade, which was located in Jeshkovo.[11] During the afternoon of September 2, Agim Shala, Avdi Shala, Besim Shala, and Fatmir Berisha died.[11]
Heavy shelling continued at Kushtrim and Billushë, and Yugoslav forces tried to enter Dushkaja of Poslisht, then the positions of Tusus.[11] After some positions of the 1st Battalion were broken, the position at Tusus was in danger and the command of the 1st Battalion retreats to the village of Arbëri, while the 2nd Battalion remained at their positions. Astret Poniku, and Arsim Poniku were killed.[11] KLA forces held their positions against the Yugoslav forces, and Jeshkova was under KLA control.[11]
Tusuz massacre
[edit]On 26 May 1999, Serbian forces committed a massacre in the ethnic Albanian neighborhood of Tusuz, near Prizren, killing 27 civilians.[14] It followed the execution of brothers Enes and Fatmir Muharremi a week earlier in the neighborhood of Bilbildere.[15] On 17 May, KLA forces had killed 3 Serbian soldiers following a clash with Yugoslav forces in Tusuz.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f "20 vjet nga beteja e parë e UÇK-së në komunën e Prizrenit". gazetaprizrenit.net. 2018-07-16. Retrieved 2024-05-03.
- ^ Drecun, Milovan (2004). Drugi kosovski boj. M. Drecun. p. 73. ISBN 978-86-84771-09-6.
- ^ "Ubijeno petnaest pripadnika OVK, ranjena dva policajca - Lični stavovi - Dnevni list Danas" (in Serbian). 2008-09-03. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
- ^ a b c d "Beteja për liri a vdekje në Vrri-Prizren, midis UÇK-së dhe forcave serbe". gazetaprizrenit.net. 1 September 2018. Retrieved 2024-05-12.
- ^ a b За вечан помен и сећање, 549mtbr.com, retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Fifteen KLA members were killed, two police officers were wounded". danas.rs (in Serbian). 2008-09-03. Archived from the original on 2021-10-30.
- ^ a b "The battle for freedom and death in Vrri-Prizren, between KLA and Serbian forces". gazetaeprizrenit.net (in Albanian). 2018-09-01. Retrieved 2024-05-19.
- ^ admin (2013-07-16). "Përkujtohet Beteja e 16 Korrikut të UÇK-së". PrizrenPress - Portal informativ (in Albanian). Retrieved 2024-05-01.
- ^ a b admin (2023-07-16). "25 vite më parë, beteja për liri a vdekje në Vërri të Prizrenit". PrizrenPress - Portal informativ (in Albanian). Retrieved 2024-05-02.
- ^ "Radio Omega 3". radio-omega3.org. Retrieved 2024-05-07.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Më 1 shtator 1998 nuk filloi viti i ri shkollor, por filloi beteja e UÇK-së për liri a vdekje në Vërri të Prizrenit". 04 Online. 2020-09-01. Retrieved 2024-05-12.
- ^ a b c d e ramiberisha (2022-09-01). "ME 1 SHTATOR 1998 NUK FILLOI VITI I RI SHKOLLOR, POR FILLOI BETEJA E UÇK PËR LIRI A VDEKJE KUNDËR SERBISË, NË RAJONIN E VËRRINIT!". Prizreni Sot. Retrieved 2024-05-12.
- ^ "Pripadnici Ministarstva unutrašnjih poslova - žrtve albanskog terorizma u 1998.godini". arhiva.srbija-info.gov.rs (in Serbian). 18 February 1999.
- ^ "President Osmani commemorated the anniversary of the Massacre in the Tusuz neighborhood of Prizren". president-ksgov.net. 26 May 2024.
- ^ "Under Orders: War Crimes (Prizren)". hrw.org. Human Rights Watch. 2001.