Kosovo Indicts 45 on Terrorism Charges

Kosovo has indicted 45 individuals on terrorism charges related to a deadly shootout that occurred nearly a year ago in the village of Banjska, where ethnic Serb gunmen attacked police, resulting in the death of a police officer and three assailants. Chief prosecutor Blerim Isufaj stated there is substantial evidence linking the suspects to terrorism, constitutional violations, and money laundering. Milan Radoicic, a prominent Kosovo Serb politician and leader of the armed group, has been identified among the accused and has confessed to his involvement, although he claims to have acted independently. All suspects are believed to be in Serbia, which does not recognize Kosovo's independence, complicating extradition efforts. The indictments come amid rising tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, following a collapse of EU and US-mediated talks earlier in the year. Kosovo authorities are also pursuing an international investigation into alleged training bases for such armed groups within Serbia.