Hidden Military Equipment in Mitrovica: Agim Rexhepi Calls for Investigation into Who Placed It and Its Purpose

Kosovo Police found military clothing and equipment hidden inside a manhole during a routine patrol on “Zoran Gjingjiq” street in Mitrovica.

Former investigator Agim Rexhepi, speaking to “Bota sot” about this case, stated that security institutions should treat the discovery with special attention.

According to him, the finding of military uniforms and equipment by Kosovo Police cannot be considered merely an ordinary police report. Rexhepi assessed that the fact that the clothing and equipment were hidden in a manhole in North Mitrovica constitutes a development that requires serious institutional engagement.

He stressed that premature conclusions should not be drawn either about the persons who may have placed the equipment or about their purpose, as these answers must come from investigations.

Rexhepi said that military equipment does not end up hidden in manholes by chance. If such cases have been previously recorded in this area, according to him, then it is a signal that institutions must examine much more deeply.

He underlined that attention should not be focused only on what the Police found. The investigation, according to him, must clarify who provided the equipment, where it came from, when it was placed at that location, which persons had access to it, and why it was hidden. Also, it must be determined whether they were used earlier, if they were part of any illegal activity, and if they are linked to other recorded cases in the past.

According to Rexhepi, this development should also be examined in relation to other similar cases, while responsible security institutions must act preventively.

He assessed that Kosovo Police should not consider the event as an isolated case. According to him, it is necessary to compare with all previous cases of this nature, identify possible connections, and create a full picture of the situation. Security institutions, he added, must be ahead of developments and not follow them belatedly.

Rexhepi called for strengthening information gathering, intelligence analysis, and control in sensitive areas. He also mentioned the need for greater cooperation between the Police, other security institutions, prosecution, and international partners.

The former investigator called for the issue to be handled professionally and for institutions to react without delay if it is confirmed that there is any threat to public safety.

He said there is no room for panic and that no community should be stigmatized. According to Rexhepi, institutions must be determined in the face of any illegal action, but at the same time act with professionalism and precision, investigating the responsible persons, possible networks, and concrete facts.

If the investigation finds that the equipment was abandoned and not linked to criminal activities, this conclusion should be made known. However, if connections to organized activities, preparations for illegal actions, or threats to public safety are discovered, Rexhepi said that institutions must intervene immediately and enforce the force of law.

In conclusion, he asked that the case not be diminished in importance, but at the same time speculations be avoided. According to him, the investigation must continue until full clarification of who placed the equipment, why they hid it, and whether a wider network stands behind them.

Rexhepi stated to “Bota sot” that the security level is not assessed only by the speed with which Police discover the equipment, but also by the ability of institutions to quickly understand the perpetrators, motives, and the possible existence of a larger network. For this reason, according to him, the event should serve as an alarm for more coordination, preventive intelligence, and institutional professionalism.

He added that citizens have the right to feel protected and to expect that institutions take seriously any possible sign of danger. The equipment has already been discovered, while the institutions’ duty is to provide the answers, Rexhepi concluded.