Kosovo demands Serbia extradite gunmen after police officer killed

Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti has accused Serbia of attempting to annex part of Kosovo through an armed incursion that resulted in the death of a police officer during a shootout last year. This incident occurred at a Serbian Orthodox monastery in Banjska, which heightened tensions between Kosovo and Serbia. Kurti has called for the international community to pressure Serbia to extradite the gunmen who fled back to Serbia after the confrontation. The paramilitary group involved in the attack is believed to have been orchestrated and financed by Serbia, with Kurti alleging that they brought a significant amount of weaponry into Kosovo for a prolonged conflict. In response to the attack, Kosovo police confiscated over 100 weapons and more than 80,000 rounds of ammunition. Serbia, however, claims that the gunmen acted independently. In light of these events, Kosovo prosecutors have filed serious charges against 45 individuals, including terror activities and funding terrorism, which could lead to life sentences. Among those charged is Milan Radoicic, a businessman with connections to Serbia's ruling party, who has previously been detained on related charges but denies any wrongdoing. The European Union and the United States have condemned the attack and reiterated calls for Serbia to hand over the perpetrators. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, with both sides urged to adhere to agreements aimed at normalizing relations, as Kosovo continues to seek recognition of its independence, which Serbia still contests.