Kosovo officials have confirmed the discovery of four human remains at a second mass grave site in the northern region, intensifying ongoing probes into war crimes from the 1990s conflict.
The findings follow the recent uncovering of seven bodies at a nearby excavation near Zubin Potok. Authorities estimate that up to 23 victims could be buried in the surrounding villages.
Government Commission on Missing Persons stated in a press release that the remains, found in Jabuka, are believed to be victims of enforced disappearances during the war period. The exhumed bodies have been sent for DNA analysis to establish their identities.
With a total of 11 remains recovered from the two sites, prosecutors caution that the process of excavation and identification may take several months.
War Crimes Investigation and Arrests
In recent days, police have detained three local men suspected of involvement in war crimes related to the conflict.
Acting Prime Minister Albain Kurti noted that the remains likely belong to 23 ethnic Albanians who were forcibly taken and executed in spring 1999 during the Kosovo war.
The 1998-1999 conflict between ethnic Albanian guerrillas seeking independence and Serbian forces resulted in approximately 13,000 deaths and left around 4,000 people missing. Despite decades of efforts to locate mass graves, about 1,600 individuals remain unaccounted for.
