Military equipment and clothing found hidden in a manhole in Mitrovica, Shala calls for thorough investigation

During a routine patrol on “Zoran Gjingjiq” street in North Mitrovica, the Kosovo Police discovered a quantity of military clothing and equipment hidden inside a sewer manhole.

The incident was identified around 13:30, when officers of the Police Station in North Mitrovica, while performing their duties, noticed that the manhole was open. Further inspection led to the discovery of a black plastic bag, which raised suspicions.

After retrieving and examining its contents, police found that it contained five green military caps, two chest rigs with ammo pouches, a military belt, magazine pouches, and other military-use equipment.

The state prosecutor was informed, who instructed that criminal proceedings not be initiated at this time.

The equipment was seized by police, and investigative work continues to clarify the circumstances and identify persons possibly linked to the case.

Security expert Drizan Shala, in a statement for “Bota sot”, says that the discovery should not be seen as an isolated event.

Shala emphasizes that before investigations conclude, no definitive conclusions can be drawn, but the manner of hiding the equipment raises some important questions.

“The finding of military clothing and equipment in a sewer manhole in North Mitrovica should not simply be considered an isolated incident. Given the history of tensions in this area, external influences, and the activity of illegal hybrid structures, such a case should be seen as an indicator requiring heightened attention from security institutions.

No final assessments can be made before the investigations close, but the presence of military-grade equipment in a public space brings serious questions: who placed them there, when was the hiding done, and what was the purpose? The possibility cannot be ruled out that they were used or prepared for illegal activities, including destabilizing acts, especially considering previous security incidents in the north and attacks on Kosovo’s institutions,” Shala states.

According to the expert, the fact that the equipment was placed in a part of public infrastructure shows an intention to keep them out of sight of authorities and citizens.

“A sewer manhole is not an ordinary place for storing equipment. The choice of this location indicates an attempt to hide them and raises suspicions that someone wanted to keep them invisible for a certain period,” he assesses.

Shala says the case should prompt increased monitoring, improved information exchange, and strengthening of preventive capacities.

“The Kosovo Police must conduct a thorough investigation to determine the origin of the equipment and verify possible links to individuals or organized groups. Also, the investigation should be expanded to see if there are other similar caches where uniforms or other equipment may be hidden.

This case should serve as a signal for strengthening oversight, intelligence cooperation, and preventive measures. In the north of Kosovo, any military-grade equipment outside institutional control should be treated as a national security issue, not just a police matter,” adds the security expert.

He further warns that such events can affect how citizens of the north perceive security. For this reason, Shala considers institutional transparency and a thorough investigation essential to prevent speculation and to preserve public trust in security institutions.