Serbian President Vučić Defends Banjska Attack Organizer, Raising Regional Security Concerns

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić publicly defended Milan Radoić, identified by Kosovo authorities as the organizer of the September 2023 terrorist attack in Banjska that killed Kosovo police sergeant Afrim Bunjaku. Vučić claimed Radoić is being prosecuted for issues related to Kosovo, not for the terrorist act, despite an Interpol red notice and accusations that members of the Serbian gendarmerie have provided him protection.

Security experts warned that Vučić’s statements send a dangerous message that could encourage Serbian extremist elements to target Kosovo police. Nuredin Ibishi described the stance as a continuation of a hybrid war against Kosovo, while Gurakuç Kuçi of the Octopus Institute called for stronger international action. The European Union and the United States have repeatedly urged Serbian authorities to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the Banjska attack.