Human remains discovered in Brod; identity to be determined through DNA analysis

Human remains were discovered today in the village of Brod, in the municipality of Shtërpcë, during excavations in the search for people who were forcibly disappeared. Their identity is not yet known.

The Government Commission on Missing Persons said the discovery was made on November 12, 2026. The remains will undergo forensic examination and DNA analysis to establish their identity.

The search at the site began on November 6, after the relevant court order was obtained. During the initial excavations, teams were unable to locate the suspected grave because changes to the terrain over the years made it difficult to pinpoint its exact location. The remains were found after work at the site continued.

The operation was coordinated by the Government Commission on Missing Persons, the Institute of Forensic Medicine and the Police Directorate for the Investigation of War Crimes, specifically its Missing Persons Investigation Sector. The Prosecutor’s Office’s War Crimes Department also provided support.

According to the Commission, work at the site is also linked to regional cooperation, including communications with Croatian institutions responsible for people missing from the war. Families of missing persons, the Coordinating Council of Family Associations of Kosovo’s Missing Persons and citizens who provided important information also helped identify the location.

The Commission thanked the institutions and citizens for their cooperation and reiterated its commitment to establishing the fate of all those who were forcibly disappeared.