1 of 6 | Armed gunmen besieged the Kosovo town of Banjska early Sunday. Their motive was unclear. Photo courtesy of Kosovo Police/Facebook
Sept. 24 (UPI) -- A police officer was killed and at least three suspects were shot dead Sunday after dozens of armed marauders took over a small village in northern Kosovo before ambushing authorities who responded to the scene.
Kosovo Police said late Sunday that "the security situation remains tense" but that attacks on police have decreased amid the standoff in Banjska, near the Serbian border, that began early Sunday when a band of 30 professional gunmen attacked the village before barricading themselves in the town monastery at sunrise.
"So far, three gunmen have been killed, two gunmen and four suspects have been arrested, the latter were found in illegal possession of radio communications, and who are suspected of being related to a terrorist group," Kosovo Police said in a statement.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti identified the slain police officer as Afrim Bujaku. Bujaku died "protecting the territorial integrity and rule of law of our country," Kurti said.
At least two other officers were injured and transported to the Mitrovica Regional Hospital, police said.
Officials said the shooters had moved through the city with military precision and used the natural environment to conceal themselves from responding units.
Authorities surrounded the Serbia Orthodox Church, where the militants were holed up, and where some faithful had locked themselves inside when gunfire first erupted.
Kurti blamed "Serbia-sponsored criminals," and called for them to surrender in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Kosovo Police units have been searching through residential buildings and vehicles used by the attackers in their road block, confiscating hundreds of weapons and ammunition, including heavy military equipment, such as machine guns, Kalashnikovs and grenades.
"Our police remains in close co-ordination with KFOR & EULEX," Kurti said. "The operation is ongoing."
The motivation for the attack was unclear, but violence has increased in the region since a disputed election in May and as political talks with European Union chiefs dissolved in recent months.
Security forces set up a perimeter around the village to box in the gunmen, who wore masks and uniforms while armed to the teeth with heavy weapons, grenades, and other tactical equipment, including rocket launchers and armored vehicles, police said in a statement.
Police also closed two border crossings in Jarinje and Bërnjak, and warned travelers to avoid the area.
A NATO peacekeeping force stationed in the region told local authorities it was prepared to move in if necessary.
The EU's mission in Kosovo, known as EULEX, condemned the attack in a statement.
"EULEX, as second security responder, is fully engaged in monitoring closely the situation on the spot standing ready to support Kosovo institutions to the maximum possible extent in maintaining stability and security of all its communities, in close coordination with NATO/KFOR," mission head Giovanni Pietro Barbano said.
In recent months, Kosovo and Serbia have been working to normalize relations following the breakup of Yugoslavia and other Balkan nations in the late 1990s -- which has led to ongoing regional territorial disputes.
The EU's high representative, Josep Borrell, has spoken with Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, according to a readout of the calls.
Borrell is demanding those responsible to face justice.
"More innocent lives are at risk in ongoing hostilities in the surroundings of Banjska Monastery," he said in a statement. "These attacks must stop immediately."
Kurti said a candle light vigil was held Sunday night for Bunjaku.
