Discovery of military equipment in a manhole in Mitrovica, expert Shala: A signal that should not be treated as isolated

The Kosovo Police announced that during a routine check on “Zoran Gjingjiq” street in the northern part of Mitrovica, clothing and military equipment were found hidden in a manhole of the sewer.

According to the official report, officers of the North Mitrovica Police Station were carrying out their daily duties around 1:30 p.m. when they noticed an open manhole. Inspection of the area led to the discovery of a black plastic bag that aroused suspicion.

After retrieving and inspecting it, the blue uniforms found several military items inside: five green caps, two tactical vests with ammunition pockets, a military belt, as well as bags for carrying magazines and other military accessories.

The state prosecutor was also informed about the incident, who recommended that no criminal proceedings be initiated at this time.

All items were seized, while investigations are deepening to shed light on the circumstances and to identify persons who may be involved.

Security specialist Drizan Shala, in a statement to “Bota sot”, stressed that this should not be seen merely as an isolated episode.

According to him, although no conclusions can be drawn at this stage until the investigations are closed, the case raises big questions.

“The discovery of military uniforms and equipment hidden in a sewer manhole in North Mitrovica cannot be treated as an isolated event. In a territory with a history of tensions, foreign influences, and dynamics of illegal hybrid groups, such a case is an indicator that requires greater attention from security agencies,” Shala declared.

“At this step we cannot draw conclusions before investigations are completed, but the secret storage of materials of a military nature in a public space raises serious questions: who placed them there, at what moment, and for what purpose? It is possible that these equipment were used or were intended for illegal acts, including destabilizing actions, especially considering previous security incidents in the north and attacks against Kosovo institutions,” he added.

The expert draws attention to the fact that placing the equipment in public infrastructure indicates it had to be kept away from the eyes of authorities and residents.

“Hiding the equipment in a sewer manhole does not constitute normal storage practice. This reveals elements of secrecy and suggests that someone tried to keep them invisible for a while,” Shala assessed.

He emphasizes that this case should be an alarm signal for strengthening surveillance, intelligence cooperation, and preventive capabilities.

“The Kosovo Police must conduct in-depth investigations to determine the origin of the equipment, possible links with individuals or structured groups, and extend searches to see if there are other similar deposits where uniforms and other equipment may be hidden,” he affirmed.

“This case should be seen as a warning for intensifying monitoring, data exchange, and preventive capacities. In northern Kosovo, any element of a military nature outside institutional control should be treated as a matter of national security, not simply as a police problem,” added the security expert.

Shala warned that such episodes could affect the perception of security among citizens of the north, therefore institutional transparency and a thorough investigation are essential to avoid speculation and to maintain public trust in security agencies.