Criminal group that attacked Kosovo police officers hiding in monastery courtyard, gunshots heard

(Patria) - The Eparchy of Raška and Prizren most sharply condemns the latest attack that occurred this morning in the north of Kosovo, near the village of Banjska, in which one Kosovo police officer was killed and two were injured.

"This is a serious incident that can have major consequences, and therefore it is very important that everything is done to preserve peace, order, and discipline. The Eparchy sincerely expresses its condolences to the family members of the fallen police officer and sincerely hopes that the two injured will recover as soon as possible.

The Eparchy is very concerned because, according to the latest information, a group of armed, masked men entered the monastery itself with an armored vehicle, breaking the monastery's locked gate. Currently, a group of pilgrims from Novi Sad is in the monastery, with the priest, Abbot Danilo, and the monastery brotherhood.

For safety reasons, the monastery brotherhood and pilgrims have locked themselves in the residence, and the monastery's church is also locked. Armed masked individuals are moving around the courtyard, and gunshots are heard intermittently.

The Eparchy most sharply condemns the open violence being used in a religious object of the Serbian Orthodox Church, calling on all parties to cease the conflict as soon as possible," the Eparchy announced.

The entrance to the village of Banjska is blocked, and KFOR, EULEX, and Kosovo police officers are on the scene.