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2015 Kumanovo clashes

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2015 Kumanovo clashes
File:Kumanovo, Expolsions and gunfire.webm
Video of the conflict in Kumanovo.
Date9–10 May 2015
Location
Kumanovo, Republic of Macedonia
Result Suppression and elimination of all armed men by the Macedonian police and armed forces[3][4]
Belligerents
Macedonian Police Armed group (former members of the NLA and KLA)[1][2]
Commanders and leaders
Gordana Jankulovska
Nikola Gruevski (PM)
Gjorge Ivanov (Pres.)		 Mirsad Ndrecaj †[5][6]
Muhamed Krasniqi[6][7]
Sami Ukshini[6][7]
Beg Rizaj †[5][6]
Demë Shehu[6][7]
Units involved
File:Logo of Special Operations Unit - Tigers Macedonia.png "Tigers" Special Operations Unit
File:Logo of Rapid Deployment Unit Macedonia.jpg Rapid Deployment Unit		 Unknown
Strength
100+(150 reinforcements),4+ APCs,7+ "Trucks" 50-70[8]
Casualties and losses
8 killed, 37 wounded[9] 14 killed,[9] 30 captured[10]
22 killed in total

A shootout which erupted during a police raid between police forces and an armed group identifying as the National Liberation Army occurred on 9 May 2015 in the northern Macedonian town of Kumanovo.[11][12] During the shootings, eight Macedonian policemen and 14 of the armed men were killed, while 37 officers were wounded and hospitalized.[13] The shooting ended on May 10, 2015, with full suppression and elimination of the group in an operation by the Macedonian police and armed forces, in which 30 men were arrested and charged with terrorism by Macedonian authorities and prosecutors.[14]

Prelude

The event took place during a deep political crisis in Macedonia, dating back to the 2014 general elections. The main opposition party, Social Democratic Union of Macedonia, has been making allegations on electoral fraud, denounced the conservative VMRO-DPMNE's party victory and has boycotted the Macedonian Assembly since.[15] Since early 2015, the Social Democratic leader, Zoran Zaev, has escalated the political crisis in the country by planning an alleged "coup d'état" through a massive wire-tapping scandal.[16] Zaev started releasing the so-called information "bombs," a series of wire-tapped conversations between the conservative government officials, most of them including Macedonia's prime minister Nikola Gruevski.[16] In doing so, he has made allegations that Gruevski has ordered the wire-tapping of some 20,000 Macedonian citizens and having control over the court system in Macedonia.[17]

In October 2014, the building of the Macedonian Government was attacked by two projectiles likely to have been fired from an RPG launcher.[18] Around one week after the attack, a letter arrived at the Macedonian Albanian-language television station Alsat-M signed by a group claiming ties with the dissolved NLA taking responsibility for the attack.[11] The NLA was also the main player in the 2001 insurgency in Macedonia. The document said that the Macedonian government is running a pro-Russian ideology, and that the NLA demands Macedonia join the European Union and NATO by all means.[19]

On 21 April 2015, a police watchtower at the border between Macedonia and the Republic of Kosovo in the mountain village of Gošince was attacked by 40 heavily armed men wearing uniforms and claiming to be the NLA.[20] The Macedonian Interior Ministry called the incident a "terrorist attack".[21]

On 3 May 2015, the headquarters of the largest ethnic Albanian party in Macedonia, the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), was attacked with a hand grenade.[22] There were no casualties, and no suspects.[23] It was suspected that the attack was due to rising criticism of the DUI party among ethnic Albanians due to alleged close ties with the governing conservative party.[24]

The opposition accused the government of allegedly trying to cover-up the death of a man in 2011 and a journalist in 2013, which was followed-up by violent protests against alleged police brutality on 5 May 2015.[25] Officials said that 38 policemen were injured.[26]

Event

Macedonian media released claims of inhabitants of Zajaz in Kumanovo that they saw around 50 armed men in the early morning.[27] A large community of ethnic Albanians live in the region.[28] The government issued a statement that the armed group numbered 50–70,[27] and the armed men hid in private homes in the Diva hamlet.[27] The armed group used automatic rifles, sniper rifles, and grenades against the police, and were said by officials to be well-trained.[29] The Macedonian police had 3 deaths and 12 policemen were wounded in the morning,[27] while unofficial sources claim over 20 wounded police.[29][30] The inhabitants in the area were evacuated by Macedonian police during the day.[29] Serbian media reported that a large number of Albanians from Kumanovo crossed the border into Serbia.[31]

Around 18:00 CET, the Macedonian media reported that the fighting had stopped, with 27 of the militants having surrendered.[31] However, after most of them surrendered in the evening,[32][33] there was still sporadic shooting.[34] Macedonian investigators identified the militants as Macedonian and Kosovan nationals, and that they had the intention to attack government institutions and buildings.[35] According to Albanian media NLA claims responsibility.[36] By May 10, the Macedonian police confirmed that the armed group had been neutralized.[4]

Aftermath

After the attack, Macedonian prosecutors charged 30 militants with terrorism.[37] Authorities said that 18 of the suspects were ethnic Albanian illegal immigrants from Kosovo.[37] The Macedonian Interior Ministry stated that eight police officers and 14 gunmen were killed in the operation, while 37 officers were wounded.[1] On 10 May 2015, the President of the Republic of Macedonia Gjorge Ivanov called an emergency meeting of the country's National Security Council where the leadership of the Macedonian Army, police, and political leaders from governing and opposition parties met in the presidential palace to discuss the events.[38] After the meeting, the President stated that "police have prevented coordinated terrorist attacks at different locations in the country that would cause serious destabilization, chaos and fear," adding that the authorities were aware of the armed group's activities since "early 2015."[39] The Macedonian government declared two national days of mourning after the attacks for the police officers that lost their lives during the attack.[40]

The eight policemen killed in the action were: Boban Ivanoviḱ (1968-2015), Goran Ilijevski (1974-2015), Goran Stojmenoviḱ (1970-2015), Zharko Kuzmanovski (1981-2015), Isamedin Osmani (1983-2015), Ljubisha Arangjeloviḱ (1966-2015), Nenad Serafimovski (1987-2015) and Sasho Samojlovski (1982-2015).[citation needed]

Official statements

Macedonian President Ǵorge Ivanov said the reason for the conflict was due to Macedonia being left "outside of EU integration."[41]

In his speech, the Macedonian prime minister Gruevski, praised the police operation calling it a "highly professional, heroic and patriotic action,"[42] adding that the "group planned to attack sports events, shopping malls, as well as state-run institutions."[42] He also hailed the eight Macedonian policemen that died during the raid, but also claimed that "their courage may have prevented the killing of some other 8,000 people."[42][43] Gruevski, during his televised address, said "this is not a Macedonian-Albanian conflict, but a conflict between people who mean no good to the state and people who uphold the state."[44]

President Ivanov said that the Macedonian authorities were aware of the presence of the "terrorist" group within the country since the beginning of 2015.[39] During his speech at the National Security Council he added that he had informed representatives from the European Union and NATO about the existence of the militant group, without "much results" from the organizations.[41] He also stated that "at the meeting of the National Security Council, which was attended by representatives of the opposition, the attack on the security of the country, whose aim was to destabilize Macedonia, was condemned in the strongest terms," pointing out that "it is high time that those conversations intensified" on the matter of Macedonia joining the European Union and NATO.[41]

The Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic, sent a letter of condolences for the events in Kumanovo to Macedonia's president, saying he is "deeply distressed at the news about the bloodshed in Kumanovo caused by fanatic terrorist actions."[45] Also, the Serbian prime minister Aleksandar Vucic sent a telegram to Gruevski, stating "on the behalf of the Serbian government and on my personal behalf, I would like to extend sincere condolences to you and the families of the victims."[45]

NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, at a press conference at the NATO headquarters in Brussels stated "Macedonian police was ready to handle the situation, but unfortunately with lost," adding "I urge everyone to exercise restraint and avoid any further escalation, in the interest of the country and the whole region."[46][47] His official written statement reads that "it is important that all political and community leaders work together to restore calm and conduct a transparent investigation to establish what happened."[48]

The EU Commissioner for negotiations on enlargement and neighborhood policy, Johannes Hahn, sent three messages about the attacks in Kumanovo, writing "we call on all concerned parties and stakeholders to cooperate in clarifying what happened, who was in charge and who is responsible for it and to act united on this issue."[49] He also stated that he urges "the authorities and all political and community leaders to cooperate, to restore calm and fully investigate the events in an objective and transparent manner within the Law."[50]

The statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry reads that it supports the conservative government of Nikola Gruevski, stating that "the eruption of anti-government activities in Macedonia over the last days is worrying," later pointing that "the choice of many opposition movements and NGOs, inspired by the West, that favor the logic of the street and the known scenario of a 'colored revolution', is full of dangerous consequences."[40]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Macedonia blames Kosovans for deadly Kumanovo clashes". Agence France-Presse. BBC. 10 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  2. ^ Macedonia Terror Operation: Police Fighting Street-To-Street With 'Foreign' Group
  3. ^ "КОТЕСКИ: ЗАВРШИ АКЦИЈАТА ВО КУМАНОВО, ТЕРОРИСТИТЕ ЕЛИМИНИРАНИ И НЕУТРАЛИЗИРАНИ". Vest. 10 May 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  4. ^ a b "МВР:Акцијата во Куманово заврши, разбиена најсилна терористичка група на Балканот". PlusInfo. 10 May 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  5. ^ a b "Mirsad Ndrecaj i Beg Rizaj megju ubienite". Ministry of Internal Affairs. Ministry of Internal Affairs. 12 May 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  6. ^ a b c d e "Ликвидирана терористичката група". Macedonian Interior Ministry. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  7. ^ a b c "Листа на уапсените терористи". Republika. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  8. ^ Samardjiski, Aleksandar (11 May 2015). "Терористичката група целосно разбиена". Nova Makedonija. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  9. ^ a b "Macedonia policemen killed in battle with armed group". Agence France-Presse. Al Jazeera. 9 May 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  10. ^ Macedonia charges 30 with terrorism after Kumanovo clashes
  11. ^ a b Sinisa Jakov Marusic (7 November 2014). "'Liberation Army' Claims it Shelled Macedonian Govt". BIRN. Balkan Insight. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  12. ^ Vladimir Gjuzelov; Ben Brumfield (11 May 2015). "Gun battles in former ethnic flashpoint in Macedonia kill 5 police officers". CNN. Retrieved 12 May 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ Atanasovski, Robert (10 May 2015). "NATO, EU urge 'restraint' as Macedonia clashes leave 22 dead". Agence France-Presse. Yahoo News. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  14. ^ "Macedonia charges 30 alleged ethnic Albanian militants over weekend battle that killed 22". Associated Press. Fox News. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  15. ^ Casule, Kole (10 May 2014). "Opposition boycotts new Macedonian parliament". Reuters. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  16. ^ a b MacDowall, Andrew (27 February 2015). "Fears for Macedonia's fragile democracy amid 'coup' and wiretap claims". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  17. ^ "Macedonians divided over massive wiretapping scandal; government suspects coup plot". Associated Press. Fox News. 23 March 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  18. ^ "Reports: RPGs used in attack on government HQ". Tamjug. B92. 31 October 2014. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  19. ^ "НОА ја презеде одговорноста за нападот на владата" (in Macedonian). Utrinski vesnik. 7 November 2014. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  20. ^ Konstantin Testorides (21 April 2015). "Macedonian police say border watchtower attacked". Associated Press. The Washington Post. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  21. ^ "Armed Men With UCK Insignia Seize Macedonian Border Post Near Kosovo". Radio Free Europe. 21 April 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  22. ^ "Бомба во седиштето на ДУИ во Мала Речица" (in Macedonian). Mkd News. 3 May 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  23. ^ "Нема повредени, ниту позначителна материјална штета во експлозијата пред седиштето на ДУИ" (in Macedonian). Macedonian Radio Television. 4 May 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  24. ^ "Explosion Rocks Office of Macedonia's Largest Albanian Party". Novinite. 4 May 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  25. ^ "Macedonia: Opposition leader accuses premier of attempting to cover up police killing". Associated Press. Fox News. 5 May 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  26. ^ "Macedonia violence after Zaev claims 'cover-up'". Associated Press. BBC. 5 May 2015. Retrieved 10 May 2015.
  27. ^ a b c d "Okršaj u MKD, ubijena tri policajca". B92. 9 May 2015. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  28. ^ B92 (1) & 9 May 2015.
  29. ^ a b c "Haos u Kumanovu: Pucnji, gore kuće". B92. 9 May 2015. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  30. ^ "Macedonia police fight an 'armed terrorist group'". Associated Press. BBC. 9 May 2015. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  31. ^ a b "Serbia sends more police to border with Macedonia". B92. 9 May 2015. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  32. ^ "Алфа ексклузивно - дел од терористичката група и се предаде на полицијата" (in Macedonian). Alfa TV. 9 May 2015. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  33. ^ Gunfire in Macedonia ends as armed men surrender - www.dtt-net.com (9 May 2015)
  34. ^ "Поголем дел од терористите се предадоа, се уште има спорадични престрелки" (in Macedonian). Alfa TV. 9 May 2015. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  35. ^ "Mинистерството за внатрешни работи не открива дали има жртви во вооружената престрелка во кумановската населба, Диво населје, помеѓу припадниците на МВР и групата терористи". Alfa TV. 9 May 2015. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  36. ^ "Gunfire, explosions rock Kumanovo, NLA claims responsibility for the attack". Albeu. 9 May 2015. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  37. ^ a b "Macedonia charges 30 suspects with terrorism after deadly clashes in Kumanovo". Agence France-Presse. ABC Australia. 12 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  38. ^ "Macedonian Security Council to Hold Session on Kumanovo Developments". Independent.mk. 10 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  39. ^ a b Georgievski, Boris (11 May 2015). "Macedonia killings exacerbate political crisis". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  40. ^ a b "Macedonia Declares Mourning For Police Killed in Gunbattles". Balkan Insight. 10 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  41. ^ a b c "Ivanov: "Lack of EU and NATO integration to blame for conflict"". Tanjug. B92. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  42. ^ a b c "Macedonian police wipe out Albanian 'terrorists'". Deutsche Welle. 10 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  43. ^ "Gruevski: The eight heroes who died perhaps saved 8,000 people from terrorists". Kurir. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  44. ^ Robinson, Matt (10 May 2015). "Gun battle in ethnic Albanian region deepens Macedonian crisis". Reuters. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  45. ^ a b "Nikolic Sends Telegram Of Condolences To Ivanov". Tanjug. InSerbia. 10 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  46. ^ "Stoltenberg: Macedonian police proved that can handle the situation". Kurir. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  47. ^ "Nato head Stoltenberg urges 'restraint' in Macedonia crisis". TangriNews. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  48. ^ Jens Stoltenberg (10 May 2015). "Statement by the NATO Secretary General on the situation in Kumanovo, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia". NATO. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  49. ^ "Hahn sent three messages associated with the terrorist attack in Kumanovo". Kurir. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  50. ^ Jahannes Hahn (10 May 2015). "Statement by Commissioner Hahn on the situation in Kumanovo, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia". European Union (Commission Press Release). Retrieved 12 May 2015.
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