Karapalak massacre: North Macedonia marks 25 years since attack on soldiers

North Macedonia marks the 25th anniversary of the Karapalak massacre, an event from the 2001 conflict where ten Macedonian security force reservists from Prilep were killed in an ambush by the NLA.

Various national leaders and delegations, including Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, participated in commemorations by laying flowers at the memorial site and in the center of Prilep. Mickoski described Karapalak as a "common wound" and an obligation to remember the fallen.

However, the anniversary has also drawn criticism. The political party Levica and some survivors have expressed frustration regarding the lack of justice and adequate state support. Survivors reported that, 25 years later, they still face difficulties regarding medical assistance, social benefits, and legal accountability for the war crimes committed during the ambush.