Sarandë assassination: Artan Myrtaj killed in motorcycle attack

Artan Myrtaj, 44, was assassinated in the center of Sarandë, Albania, on Sunday morning. Two assailants wearing helmets on a motorcycle opened fire on Myrtaj, who was known locally as ‘Tani i Ruzhdiut’. During the attack, a 73-year-old passerby, Xhevdet Skëndaj, was also wounded by gunfire and required emergency transport to a trauma hospital in Tirana.

Investigators believe the execution follows a similar pattern to a previous attempted assassination in Sarandë. The crime is suspected to be linked to an ongoing conflict between criminal groups involving Ervis Lami and Ramadan Zoto. Myrtaj had previously been arrested in 2025 for aiding a criminal author following a property dispute in the coastal region that resulted in the wounding of two individuals.

Police are currently reviewing security footage and have questioned approximately 20 people, including witnesses and family members. While material evidence has been seized, the perpetrators have not yet been identified. Authorities suspect the hit was organized, noting that the attackers appeared to have detailed knowledge of the victim’s movements.