Joint Statement Condemning the 9/24/2023 Serbian Terrorist Attack in Kosova

We urgently appeal to the United States Congress to act decisively and employ all necessary means to rein in Serbia’s unfettered and blatant sponsorship of terrorism. The policy of appeasement has run its course; it is time for action, it is time for sanctions. The peace and security of the entire Western Balkans demand swift and resolute action to prevent further acts of violence and instability. On September 24, 2023, at 2:34 A.M., a group of approximately 30 heavily armed men perpetrated a terrorist attack in the village of Banjë in the Republic of Kosovo, leading to the tragic loss of one valiant police officer and leaving three of his fellow officers wounded. This attack was aimed at destabilizing Kosovo and constitutes a direct assault on Kosovo’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security.   The evidence collected by Kosovo’s authorities thus far points to state sponsorship of these terrorists by Serbia, including captured drone footage showing the terrorists training on Serbian soil at the Pasuljanske Livade army base and enough arms and combat equipment to outfit over 300 terrorists. The most alarming finding is that the terrorist group used the Banjë monastery to store the weapons and plan the attack. This finding confirms British MP and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Alicia Kearns’ warnings in June of this year that Serbia was smuggling arms into monasteries and churches throughout the northern parts of Kosovo in a bid to destabilize the region. Additionally, we express our profound concern regarding Russia’s endorsement and support of Serbia’s dangerous rhetoric, an alliance that only exacerbates the already unstable situation in the region. The United States must act before the situation turns into another Ukraine. Amidst this tragedy, Kosovo has demonstrated the strength, resilience, and success of its state institutions. The bravery and professionalism displayed by the Kosovo Police Force thwarted the terroristic plot that could have cost an even greater amount of lives. Kosovo’s legal institutions have provided all due process rights under Kosovo’s Constitution and laws to each of the captured terrorists. And finally, Kosovo’s authorities have been working tirelessly to engage with the Serb community in Banjë and help return the village to normalcy. The United States must continue to support Kosovo and the democratic success it has become. We, as concerned US citizens and many of us survivors of Serbia’s past genocidal campaign, condemn the heinous act that has shaken the foundations of peace and democracy in Kosovo. As with the Holocaust, never again. Never again will we allow Serbia to reign terror and advance its genocidal agenda. We urge the United States to act with swift and just cause and impose proper sanctions on Serbia and all individuals linked with the terrorist plot. Only through full accountability can stability in the region be secured.