Excavations in Zubin Potok to uncover a suspected mass grave

Special units of the Kosovo Police have established a strict security perimeter in the village of Kalludër e Vogël, Zubin Potok municipality, where excavations have begun at a site believed to conceal the remains of persons missing from the Kosovo conflict.

The operation is also being closely monitored by six EULEX mission patrols, which are on the ground to observe the progress of the work.

This investigative action coincides with the arrest of two persons suspected of war crimes, as announced by the Special Prosecution and the Kosovo Police. Investigators believe the detainees are directly linked to the location where the search is being conducted.

The village of Kalludër e Vogël is closely tied to one of the most tragic episodes of enforced disappearances. On 19 April 1999, 23 Albanians, known as the ‘Intellectuals’ Group’ and mainly from the Mitrovica area, were abducted in the region between Dreth and Kalludër.

After more than 27 years, their fate remains unresolved. Kosovo authorities have repeatedly emphasized that official evidence shows the involvement of the Yugoslav Army and have requested access to state archives to shed light on this case.

Excavation work at this site carries the hope of bringing clarity to one of the deepest wounds of the war, as the victims’ family members anxiously await the truth and the delivery of justice.