Kosovo officials have launched investigations into a suspected second mass grave discovered in the northern region of the country, following recent excavations that revealed seven bodies believed to be victims of the 1998-1999 Kosovo war.
The acting president, Albulena Haxhiu, announced the finding over the weekend, emphasizing that the discovery underscores the unresolved crimes from the conflict and the ongoing pursuit of justice.
Authorities are seeking judicial approval to commence excavation at the new site located in the village of Jabuka, approximately 10 kilometres from the initial dig near Zubin Potok. The original site is thought to contain the remains of up to 23 individuals.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who visited the first excavation site, stated that those buried were likely forcibly abducted and executed in the spring of 1999. Forensic experts confirmed the recovery of seven bodies, possibly including intellectuals and human rights activists from Mitrovica who disappeared on April 19, 1999.
While identification and confirmation of the victims’ connection to the war remain ongoing and may take months, prosecutors have reported the arrest of three local men on suspicion of war crimes related to the discoveries.
The Kosovo conflict, fought between ethnic Albanian forces seeking independence and Serbian military units, resulted in approximately 13,000 deaths and left around 4,000 people missing. Despite efforts over the decades to locate mass graves, many remain unaccounted for.
Efforts to resolve missing persons cases have been hindered by strained relations between Kosovo and Serbia, which does not recognize Kosovo's independence. Although both governments agreed to a joint commission to expedite searches, cooperation has been limited.
