2015 Kumanovo clashes

Series of shootouts in Kumanovo 2015 Kumanovo clashes Kumanovo - May 2015 (18112749775).jpg A house that was heavily damaged in the fighting 300 9–10 May 2015(2 days) Kumanovo, Macedonia North Macedonia yes 42.1358 21.7181 type:event inline Macedonian police victory Armed group neutralized Suppression of the armed group by the Macedonian policehttp://www.vest.mk/default.asp?ItemID=F9AB7002241FE4408E2A0FB59DF4FD6C Котески: Заврши акцијата во Куманово, терористите елиминирани и неутрализирани Vest 10 May 2015 10 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150514070228/http://www.vest.mk/default.asp?ItemID=F9AB7002241FE4408E2A0FB59DF4FD6C 14 May 2015 dead http://plusinfo.mk/vest/25324/mvr-akcijata-vo-kumanovo-zavrshi-razbiena-najsilna-teroristicka-grupa-na-balkanot-%28video%29 МВР:Акцијата во Куманово заврши, разбиена најсилна терористичка група на Балканот PlusInfo 10 May 2015 10 May 2015 Macedonian Police insignia.png 25px Macedonian police Albanian militant grouphttp://www.mvr.gov.mk/vest/107 Ликвидирана терористичката група Ministry of Internal Affairs (North Macedonia) 11 May 2015 12 May 2015 19 July 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150719055538/http://mvr.gov.mk/vest/107 dead Macedonian Police insignia.png 25px Gordana Jankuloska Mirsad Ndrecajhttp://www.mvr.gov.mk/vest/111 Mirsad Ndrecaj i Beg Rizaj megju ubienite Ministry of Internal Affairs (North Macedonia) 12 May 2015 13 May 2015 19 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150519232036/http://www.mvr.gov.mk/vest/111 dead Muhamet KrasniqiSami UkshiniBeg RizajDemë Shehu Special Police Unit "Tigers" EBR_logo.png 22px Rapid Deployment Unit MVR PEP logo.png 22px Special Support Unit Unknown Unknown 50–70 militantshttp://novamakedonija.com.mk/NewsDetal.asp?vest=51115957106&id=9&prilog=0&setIzdanie=23464 Терористичката група целосно разбиена Nova Makedonija 11 May 2015 13 May 2015 Samardjiski, Aleksandar dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150514171748/http://www.novamakedonija.com.mk/NewsDetal.asp?vest=51115957106&id=9&prilog=0&setIzdanie=23464 14 May 2015 Okršaj u MKD, ubijena tri policajca http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2015&mm=05&dd=09&nav_category=167&nav_id=989780 B92 9 May 2015 9 May 2015 8 killed37 woundedhttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/05/macedonia-policemen-killed-battle-armed-group-150509213341943.html Macedonia policemen killed in battle with armed group Al Jazeera Agence France-Presse 9 May 2015 10 May 2015 14 killedhttp://www.novinite.com/articles/168596/Macedonia+Cuts+Number+of+%E2%80%98Armed+Group%E2%80%99+Members+Killed+in+Kumanovo Macedonia Cuts Number of 'Armed Group' Members Killed in Kumanovo novinite.comhttp://www.rtklive.com/?id=2&r=30831 Prokuroria konfirmon se në Kumanovë janë 10, jo 14 të vrarë RTKlive.comhttp://www.rtklive.com/?id=2&r=30700 Zeka: Lista me të vrarët në Kumanovë është e pakonfirmuar RTKlive.com 30–36 arrestedhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32695909 Macedonia charges 30 with terrorism after Kumanovo clashes BBC News 11 May 2015 A series of shootouts erupted during a raid between the Macedonian police and an armed group identifying itself as the National Liberation Army (NLA). They began on 9 May 2015 in the northern Macedonian town of Kumanovo, and ended the following day on 10 May.Macedonia: police officers and 'armed group' members killed during clashes https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/10/macedonia-police-alleged-armed-group-balkans-kumanovo The Guardian 10 May 2015https://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/10/europe/macedonia-police-raid-balkan-flashpoint/ Gun battles in former ethnic flashpoint in Macedonia kill 5 police officers CNN 11 May 2015 12 May 2015 Vladimir Gjuzelov Ben Brumfield During the shootings, 8 Macedonian policemen and 14 of the militants were killed, while 37 officers were wounded and hospitalized.https://news.yahoo.com/sixth-police-officer-dies-macedonia-clashes-001439329.html NATO, EU urge 'restraint' as Macedonia clashes leave 22 dead Yahoo News Agence France-Presse 10 May 2015 12 May 2015 Atanasovski, Robert The shooting ended on 10 May 2015, in an operation by the Macedonian police, in which 30 militants were arrested and charged with terrorism-related charges by the Macedonian authorities.http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/05/11/macedonia-charges-30-alleged-ethnic-albanian-militants-over-weekend-battle-that/ https://web.archive.org/web/20150514131302/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/05/11/macedonia-charges-30-alleged-ethnic-albanian-militants-over-weekend-battle-that/ dead May 14, 2015 Macedonia charges 30 alleged ethnic Albanian militants over weekend battle that killed 22 Fox News Associated Press 11 May 2015 12 May 2015 Background In 2001, there was an armed conflict between Macedonian authorities and the National Liberation Army (NLA),Oliver P. Richmond Gëzim Visoka The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Peace and Conflict Studies 2022 Springer Nature 9783030779542 354, 355–356 during which Kumanovo Municipality became a battlefield from May until August, when the Ohrid agreement was signed. In 2014, an organization claiming to be concerned with the implementation of the agreement and calling itself NLA claimed responsibility for the government building attack.Sinisa Jakov Marusic http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/new-%C3%ACliberation-army%C3%AE-claims-attack-on-macedonian-government-hq 'Liberation Army' Claims it Shelled Macedonian Govt balkaninsight.com 5 December 2014 7 November 2014 en It occurred parallel to a deep political crisis in the Republic of Macedonia, dating back to the 2014 general elections.Robert Hudson Ivan Dodovski Macedonia's Long Transition: From Independence to the Prespa Agreement and Beyond 2023 Springer Nature 9783031207730 18 The main opposition party, the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM), had been making allegations of electoral fraud, denounced the conservative VMRO-DPMNE's party victory and had boycotted the Assembly since.http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-macedonia-parliament-idUKKBN0DQ0CX20140510 Opposition boycotts new Macedonian parliament Reuters 10 May 2014 10 May 2015 Casule, Kole 27 November 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181127004403/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-macedonia-parliament-idUKKBN0DQ0CX20140510 dead Since early 2015, the Social Democratic leader, Zoran Zaev, came into possession of mass illegal wire-tap recordings allegedly orchestrated by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/27/fears-macedonias-fragile-democracy-amid-coup-wiretap-claims Fears for Macedonia's fragile democracy amid 'coup' and wiretap claims The Guardian 27 February 2015 10 May 2015 MacDowall, Andrew Zaev started releasing the so-called information "bombs," a series of wire-tapped conversations between the conservative government officials, most of them including Macedonia's Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. In doing so, he has made allegations that Gruevski has ordered the wire-tapping of some 20,000 Macedonian citizens and having control over the court system in Macedonia.http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/03/23/macedonians-divided-over-massive-wiretapping-scandal-government-suspects-coup/ https://web.archive.org/web/20150323170059/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/03/23/macedonians-divided-over-massive-wiretapping-scandal-government-suspects-coup/ dead March 23, 2015 Macedonians divided over massive wiretapping scandal; government suspects coup plot Fox News Associated Press 23 March 2015 10 May 2015 Clashes Macedonian media released claims from inhabitants of Zajaz in Kumanovo that they saw around 50 armed men in the early morning. On 9 May, the Macedonian police equipped with armored vehicles and machine guns moved in on Kumanovo to seek an Albanian armed group allegedly planning attacks around the country.Leaked Tapes, Shootout, and Protests Prompt Senior Macedonian Officials to Resign https://www.vice.com/en/article/leaked-tapes-shootout-and-protests-prompt-senior-macedonian-officials-to-resign/ Vice News 12 May 2015 The government stated that the armed group numbered 50–70, and the armed men hid in private homes in the Kumanovo neighborhood of Divo Naselje. A shootout between the Macedonian police and the armed group identifying itself as the NLA erupted.https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32674121 Macedonia police fight an 'armed terrorist group' BBC Associated Press 9 May 2015 9 May 2015 The armed group used automatic rifles, sniper rifles, and grenades against the police, and were said by officials to be well-trained.Haos u Kumanovu: Pucnji, gore kuće http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2015&mm=05&dd=09&nav_category=167&nav_id=989901 B92 9 May 2015 9 May 2015 The Macedonian police suffered 3 dead and 12 were wounded in the morning. The inhabitants in the area were evacuated by Macedonian police during the day. Serbia reinforced its border zone. Serbian state news agency Tanjug reported that a large number of Albanians from Kumanovo crossed the border into Serbia.Serbia sends more police to border with Macedonia http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2015&mm=05&dd=09&nav_id=94062 B92 9 May 2015 9 May 2015 Around 18:00 CET, the Macedonian media reported that the fighting had stopped, with 27 of the militants having surrendered. However, after most of them surrendered in the evening,http://www.alfa.mk/News.aspx?id=93446#.VU5gPY6qqko Алфа ексклузивно - дел од терористичката група и се предаде на полицијата Alfa TV 9 May 2015 9 May 2015 Macedonian https://web.archive.org/web/20150512023748/http://www.alfa.mk/News.aspx?id=93446#.VU5gPY6qqko 12 May 2015 dead Gunfire in Macedonia ends as armed men surrender https://web.archive.org/web/20150518065810/http://www.dtt-net.com/en/index.php?page=view-article&article=8393 2015-05-18 - www.dtt-net.com (9 May 2015) there was still sporadic shooting.http://www.alfa.mk/News.aspx?id=93449#.VU5ixo6qqko Поголем дел од терористите се предадоа, се уште има спорадични престрелки Alfa TV 9 May 2015 9 May 2015 Macedonian https://web.archive.org/web/20150511221202/http://www.alfa.mk/News.aspx?ID=93449#.VU5ixo6qqko 11 May 2015 dead Macedonian investigators identified the militants as Macedonian and Kosovan nationals, and that they had the intention to attack government institutions and buildings.http://www.alfa.mk/News.aspx?id=93439#.VU5iw46qqko Mинистерството за внатрешни работи не открива дали има жртви во вооружената престрелка во кумановската населба, Диво населје, помеѓу припадниците на МВР и групата терористи. Alfa TV 9 May 2015 9 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150510113937/http://www.alfa.mk/News.aspx?id=93439#.VU5iw46qqko 10 May 2015 dead According to Albanian media, NLA claimed responsibility.Gunfire, explosions rock Kumanovo, NLA claims responsibility for the attack Albeu http://english.albeu.com/news/news/gunfire-explosions-rock-kumanovo-nla-claims-responsibility-for-the-a/198356/ 9 May 2015 9 May 2015 21 March 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190321221455/http://english.albeu.com/news/news/gunfire-explosions-rock-kumanovo-nla-claims-responsibility-for-the-a/198356/ dead By 10 May, the Macedonian police confirmed that the armed group had been neutralized. 8 policemen were killed and 37 policemen were injured.Smoke and Mirrors: A Macedonian Spy Mystery https://balkaninsight.com/2018/05/09/smoke-and-mirrors-a-macedonian-spy-mystery-05-08-2018/ Balkan Insight 8 May 2018 There was also property damage, but no civilians were injured. Aftermath The Macedonian authorities stated that the "gunmen were ethnic Albanian terrorists, mostly Macedonian, but led by five Albanians from neighboring Kosovo."Macedonia clashes: 'My town looks like a war zone' https://observers.france24.com/en/20150511-macedonia-clashes-kumanovo-albanian France 24 Observers 11 May 2015 The government also described the gunmen as "former rebel commanders from neighboring Kosovo, which broke from Serbia in war in 1999 and inspired an ethnic Albanian insurgency in Macedonia two years later."Gun battle in ethnic Albanian region deepens Macedonian crisis https://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/10/us-macedonia-policeidUSKBN0NU06X20150510/ Reuters 10 May 2015 Gruevski and VMRO-DPMNE presented the incident as a "terrorist attack". The pro-government media also called for the country's unification behind the government and labeled people who disputed the official interpretation of events as traitors.Filip Milačić Stateness and Democratic Consolidation: Lessons from Former Yugoslavia 2022 Springer Nature 9783031048227 99The deep roots of Macedonia's current turmoil – and the way forward https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/can-europe-make-it/deep-roots-of-macedonias-current-turmoil-and-way-forward/ openDemocracy 13 May 2015 Sami Ukshini, Beg Rizaj, Demë Shehu, Muhamet Krasniqi and Mirsad Ndrecaj were identified as the leaders of the armed group.https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32680904 Macedonia blames Kosovans for deadly Kumanovo clashes BBC Agence France-Presse 10 May 2015 12 May 2015 After the clashes, Macedonian prosecutors charged 30 militants with terrorism.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-12/macedonia-charges-30-with-terrorism-after-kumanovo-shooting/6461990 Macedonia charges 30 suspects with terrorism after deadly clashes in Kumanovo ABC Australia Agence France-Presse 12 May 2015 12 May 2015 Authorities said that 18 of the suspects were ethnic Albanian illegal immigrants from Kosovo. 10-14 militants were killed in the clashes. Elezi Nazmi 2015-05-17 Prokuroria: Në Kumanovë 10 të vrarë nga grupi i armatosur, e jo 14 - Telegrafi https://telegrafi.com/prokuroria-ne-kumanove-10-te-vrare-nga-grupi-i-armatosur-e-jo-14/ 2024-04-05 en-US Macedonia says 10 militants killed, not 14, in weekend gunbattle Reuters https://www.reuters.com/article/macedonia-police-idINKBN0O01VJ20150515/ 2024-04-05 On 10 May 2015, the Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov called an emergency meeting of the country's National Security Council where the leadership of the Macedonian army, police, and political leaders from governing and opposition parties met in the presidential palace to discuss the events.http://www.independent.mk/articles/17319/Macedonian+Security+Council+to+Hold+Session+on+Kumanovo+Developments Macedonian Security Council to Hold Session on Kumanovo Developments Independent.mk 10 May 2015 12 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054359/http://www.independent.mk/articles/17319/Macedonian+Security+Council+to+Hold+Session+on+Kumanovo+Developments 4 March 2016 dead After the meeting, Ivanov stated that "police have prevented coordinated terrorist attacks at different locations in the country that would cause serious destabilization, chaos and fear," adding that the authorities were aware of the armed group's activities since "early 2015."http://www.dw.de/macedonia-killings-exacerbate-political-crisis/a-18443806 Crisis in Macedonia Deutsche Welle 11 May 2015 12 May 2015 Georgievski, Boris The Macedonian government declared two national days of mourning after the attacks for the police officers that lost their lives during the attack.http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/macedonia-mourns-for-killed-policemen-while-shootout-continues Macedonia Declares Mourning For Police Killed in Gunbattles Balkan Insight 10 May 2015 12 May 2015 On 14 May, US Ambassador to the OSCE, Daniel Baer thanked the OSCE Mission to Skopje for its "constructive role in facilitating a ceasefire".Embassy In Skopje U. S. https://mk.usembassy.gov/amb-baer-osce-developments-macedonia/ Amb. Baer at OSCE on Developments in Macedonia U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia 14 May 2015 Kosovo Police raided several households in Kosovo on 15 May in response to the clashes.Kosovo chases suspects linked to Macedonia clashes https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/5/15/kosovo-chases-suspects-linked-to-macedonia-clashes Al Jazeera 15 May 2015 On 22 May, Macedonia transferred the bodies of 9 ethnic Albanian gunmen to Kosovo.Skopje returns nine bodies to Kosovo https://www.dw.com/en/skopje-returns-nine-bodies-from-kumanovo-clashes-to-kosovo/a-18471293 Deutsche Welle 22 May 2015 Veterans' organizations and their families organized their burial in Pristina on 26 May,Thousands of Kosovars mourn Albanian militants killed in Macedonia https://www.reuters.com/article/world/thousands-of-kosovars-mourn-albanian-militants-killed-in-macedonia-idUSKBN0OB22Y/ Reuters 26 May 2015 calling the killed men national heroes.Former Kosovo Fighters Salute Men Killed in Kumanovo https://balkaninsight.com/2015/05/26/former-kosovo-guerilla-honor-those-killed-in-kumanovo/ Balkan Insight 26 May 2015 The group was not supported by the local population or the political parties.Calm Returns to Devastated Macedonian Town https://balkaninsight.com/2015/05/11/calm-in-macedonian-town-after-weekend-shootout/ Balkan Insight 11 May 2015 The trial against the defendants began in February 2016. The prosecution accused the defendants of being previously involved in an attack on a police station in Gošince. The defendants' lawyers alleged there was police brutality against their clients during their transportation from prison to the court and return.http://www.eurasiareview.com/22092016-suspicion-shadows-albanian-terror-trial-in-macedonia-analysis/ Suspicion Shadows 'Albanian Terror' Trial In Macedonia – Analysis Eurasia Review Balkan Insight 22 September 2016 In November 2017, 33 ethnic Albanians were found guilty of terrorism and given prison sentences by the Skopje Criminal Court, while 4 were acquitted.Macedonia Gives Kumanovo Gunmen Heavy Jail Terms https://balkaninsight.com/2017/11/02/macedonia-kumanovo-shootout-trial-verdict-11-02-2017/ Balkan Insight 2 November 2017 The defendants denied the charges against them, saying they acted in self-defense, while other defendants said they had been victims of a politically motivated set-up. A week after the verdict, family members and relatives of the convicted protested in Skanderbeg Square in Skopje, claiming their innocence."Kumanovo group", heavy convictions for the 2015 shootout https://www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/All-the-news/Kumanovo-group-heavy-convictions-for-the-2015-shootout-184346 Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa 27 November 2017 The Kosovo government decided on 10 November to give 219,000 euros in aid to the families of the convicts and those killed during the clashes.https://balkaninsight.com/2017/11/10/kosovo-govt-helps-families-of-kumanovo-group-11-10-2017/ Kosovo Aids Families of Macedonia Shootout Convicts Balkan Insight 10 November 2017 Kosovo Liberation Army veterans and their supporters protested against the convictions on 28 November in Pristina.Kosovo Veterans Protest at Macedonia Shootout Convictions https://balkaninsight.com/2017/11/28/kla-veterans-protest-against-the-sentences-on-kumanovo-case-11-28-2017/ Balkan Insight 28 November 2017 Similar protests were organized in several towns in Kosovo, including Pristina, Gjilan, and Peja. Demonstrators demanded their release while burning the flag of the Republic of Macedonia. The transfer of prisoners to Kosovo has been discussed by the news media but it was not fulfilled.https://sitel.com.mk/osudenicite-od-divo-naselje-kje-bidat-prefrleni-vo-kosovo Осудениците од "Диво Насеље" ќе бидат префрлени во Косово Sitel Televizija 8 May 2023 8 May 2023 Косово треба да ги признае пресудите за "Диво Насеље", па да размислува за префрлање на затворениците, посочува Лога https://makfax.com.mk/makedonija/%D0%BA%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BE-%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%B0-%D0%B4%D0%B0-%D0%B3%D0%B8-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%B5-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%83%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5-%D0%B7/ Makfax 27 August 2023 8 May 2023Аврамовска Мадиќ: Досега нема предмет за екстрадиција на осудените за "Диво насеље" https://mia.mk/story/%D0%B0%D0%B2%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0-%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%9C-%D0%B4%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B3%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B0-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%82-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%83%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BE-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%B5%D1%99%D0%B5 MIA 27 August 2023 11 May 2023 A monument to the killed police officers was revealed in August 2023.Interior Minister unveils memorial honoring police officers who lost their lives in anti-terror raid https://mia.mk/en/story/interior-minister-unveils-memorial-honoring-police-officers-who-lost-their-lives-in-antiterror-raid 23 August 2023 MIA Official statements thumb|220px|Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov said the reason for the conflict was due to Macedonia being left "outside of EU integration." In his speech, the Macedonian Prime Minister Gruevski, praised the police operation calling it a "highly professional, heroic and patriotic action,"http://www.dw.de/macedonian-police-wipe-out-albanian-terrorists/a-18442732 Macedonian police wipe out Albanian 'terrorists' Deutsche Welle 10 May 2015 12 May 2015 adding that the "group planned to attack sports events, shopping malls, as well as state-run institutions." He also hailed the eight Macedonian policemen that died during the raid, but also claimed that "their courage may have prevented the killing of some other 8,000 people."http://kurir.mk/en/?p=45281 Gruevski: The eight heroes who died perhaps saved 8,000 people from terrorists Kurir 11 May 2015 12 May 2015 Gruevski, during his televised address, said "this is not a Macedonian-Albanian conflict, but a conflict between people who mean no good to the state and people who uphold the state."https://www.reuters.com/article/us-macedonia-police-idUSKBN0NU06X20150510 Gun battle in ethnic Albanian region deepens Macedonian crisis Reuters 10 May 2015 12 May 2015 Robinson, Matt President Ivanov said that the Macedonian authorities were aware of the presence of the group within the country since the beginning of 2015. Per him, both EU and NATO members, as well as neighboring countries, were warned about the activities of the group.Macedonia Was Aware of Danger Posed by Kumanovo Attackers https://m.novinite.com/articles/168442/Macedonia+Was+Aware+of+Danger+Posed+by+Kumanovo+Attackers Sofia News Agency 11 May 2015 He also stated that "at the meeting of the National Security Council, which was attended by representatives of the opposition, the attack on the security of the country, whose aim was to destabilise Macedonia, was condemned in the strongest terms," pointing out that "it is high time that those conversations intensified" on the matter of Macedonia joining the European Union and NATO.http://www.b92.net/eng/news/region.php?yyyy=2015&mm=05&dd=11&nav_id=94070 Ivanov: "Lack of EU and NATO integration to blame for conflict" B92 Tanjug 11 May 2015 12 May 2015 Allegations The clashes occurred shortly after the release of audio surveillance revealing corruption on a massive scale committed by the leading party in government. Many opposition leaders and political experts claimed the shootout was politically set up to divert the public's attention away from the scandals revolving around the corruption allegations. They also claimed there was evidence that the group was paid 2 million euros to carry out the clashes. Local analysts and international academics have also questioned the government's version of events.Government's Claims About Macedonia Terrorist Group Met Skeptically https://www.rferl.org/a/macedonia-government-claims-of-terrorist-group-met-with-skepticism/27010370.html Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 11 May 2015Violence between Macedonia police and 'terrorists' increases scrutiny of PM https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/11/macedonia-violence-nikola-gruevski-government The Guardian 12 May 2015 Then-leader of the opposition Zoran Zaev stated that "strong indications exist that this is a scenario planned by those in power."Nemanja Džuverović Věra Stojarová Peace and Security in the Western Balkans: A Local Perspective 2022 Taylor & Francis 9781003276661 75 VMRO DPMNE strongly denied the claims that it was behind the Kumanovo incident and that it was staged.https://balkaninsight.com/2016/04/27/albanian-opposition-parties-join-to-rally-in-kumanovo-04-27-2016/ Macedonia Albanians to Mark Kumanovo Carnage Balkan Insight 27 April 2016 After he became the prime minister, Zaev declared there would be an international probe.http://www.gazetaexpress.com/en/news/macedonian-pm-announces-international-probe-on-kumanovo-shooting-173366/ Macedonian PM announces international probe on Kumanovo shooting 2018-02-01 https://web.archive.org/web/20181121104445/https://www.gazetaexpress.com/en/news/macedonian-pm-announces-international-probe-on-kumanovo-shooting-173366/ 2018-11-21 dead Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski also said that he would call for an international investigation. However, such an investigation has not been conducted. Regarding the incident, political scientist Florian Bieber wrote: "While the full story of the Kumanovo incident might never come to light, the timing, the confrontation itself, and its background have raised serious doubts about the veracity of the government version of events."Florian Bieber The Rise of Authoritarianism in the Western Balkans 2018 Palgrave Macmillan 9783030221485 92 International reactions Albania - Albanian Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati called for an international investigation into the shooting. He stated that the Ohrid Agreement and its implementation represent "the basis for the democratic stability and Euro-Atlantic future of Macedonia" and that "democratic rights in Macedonia should be respected."Tirana seeks international probe into Kumanovo events http://www.b92.net/eng/news/region.php?yyyy=2015&mm=05&dd=15&nav_id=94136 16 May 2015 B92 15 May 2015 Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama also reacted to what had happened in Kumanovo, and while he was attending a ministerial meeting he stated that his country would veto Macedonia's NATO candidacy if it did not respect the rights of its ethnic Albanian minority.Albania threatens to veto Macedonia's NATO bid https://www.yahoo.com/news/albania-threatens-veto-macedonias-nato-bid-185836194.html?ref=gs 2016-10-03 2020-07-08 https://web.archive.org/web/20200708214122/https://www.yahoo.com/news/albania-threatens-veto-macedonias-nato-bid-185836194.html?ref=gs dead Bulgaria - Bulgarian prime minister Boyko Borisov, on 13 May 2015, told the country's parliament that he has sent Bulgarian Army troops to the border with Macedoniahttps://euobserver.com/beyond-brussels/128707 Bulgaria sends army to Macedonia border EUobserver 13 May 2015 15 May 2015 Zhelev, Veselin in order to stop a possible influx of refugees into the country and to prepare to stop potential terrorist attacks. European Union - The EU's commissioner for negotiations on enlargement and neighborhood policy, Johannes Hahn, sent three messages about the attacks in Kumanovo, writing "we call on all concerned parties and stakeholders to cooperate in clarifying what happened, who was in charge and who is responsible for it and to act united on this issue."http://kurir.mk/en/?p=45317 Hahn sent three messages associated with the terrorist attack in Kumanovo Kurir 11 May 2015 12 May 2015 He also stated that he urges "the authorities and all political and community leaders to cooperate, to restore calm and fully investigate the events in an objective and transparent manner within the Law."http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-15-4955_en.htm?locale=en Statement by Commissioner Hahn on the situation in Kumanovo, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia European Union (Commission Press Release) 10 May 2015 12 May 2015 Jahannes Hahn Greece - Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias met with his Macedonian counterpart Nikola Poposki in Antalya on 13 May, on the side of a NATO Foreign Ministers meeting. He offered Greece's condolences to the families of the victims.Foreign Minister Kotzias meets with FYROM Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki (Antalya, 13 May 2015) http://www.mfa.gr/en/current-affairs/news-announcements/foreign-minister-kotzias-meets-with-fyrom-foreign-minister-nikola-poposki-antalya-13-may-2015.html 16 May 2015 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Greece) 13 May 2015 Kosovo - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo released a statement condemning the violence and called for respect for the Ohrid Agreement of 2001.MFA appeals for restraint in Macedonia http://www.mfa-ks.net/?page=2,4,2628&offset=5#.VVdMFZPuNzU 16 May 2015 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kosovo) 9 May 2015 In a meeting with the Macedonian ambassador to Kosovo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Petrit Selimi promised that Kosovo would intensify co-operation with Macedonian authorities and agreed to share information on suspected culprits.Kosovo and Macedonia intensify exchange of information http://www.mfa-ks.net/?page=2,4,2631#.VVdLmpPuNzU 16 May 2015 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kosovo) 14 May 2015 21 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150521043429/http://www.mfa-ks.net/?page=2,4,2631#.VVdLmpPuNzU dead NATO - NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, at a press conference at the NATO headquarters in Brussels stated "Macedonian police was ready to handle the situation, but unfortunately with lost [sic]," adding "I urge everyone to exercise restraint and avoid any further escalation, in the interest of the country and the whole region."http://kurir.mk/en/?p=45314 Stoltenberg: Macedonian police proved that can handle the situation Kurir 11 May 2015 12 May 2015 4 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025341/http://kurir.mk/en/?p=45314 dead http://en.tengrinews.kz/politics_sub/Nato-head-Stoltenberg-urges-restraint-in-Macedonia-crisis-260261/ Nato head Stoltenberg urges 'restraint' in Macedonia crisis TangriNews 11 May 2015 12 May 2015 His official written statement reads that "it is important that all political and community leaders work together to restore calm and conduct a transparent investigation to establish what happened."http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_119262.htm Statement by the NATO Secretary General on the situation in Kumanovo, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia NATO 10 May 2015 12 May 2015 Jens Stoltenberg Russia - A statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that it supported the conservative government of Nikola Gruevski, stating that "the eruption of anti-government activities in Macedonia over the last days is worrying," later pointing that "the choice of many opposition movements and NGOs, inspired by the West, that favour the logic of the street and the known scenario of a 'colored revolution', is full of dangerous consequences." Serbia - The Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić, sent a letter of condolences for the events in Kumanovo to Macedonia's president, saying he is "deeply distressed at the news about the bloodshed in Kumanovo caused by fanatic terrorist actions."http://inserbia.info/today/2015/05/nikolic-sends-telegram-of-condolences-to-ivanov/ Nikolic Sends Telegram Of Condolences To Ivanov InSerbia Tanjug 10 May 2015 12 May 2015 29 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150529201244/http://inserbia.info/today/2015/05/nikolic-sends-telegram-of-condolences-to-ivanov/ dead Also, the Serbian prime minister Aleksandar Vučić sent a telegram to Gruevski, stating "on the behalf of the Serbian government and on my personal behalf, I would like to extend sincere condolences to you and the families of the victims." The chief of the Serbian Military Intelligence Agency claimed that he warned Macedonian colleagues about sudden attacks, but Macedonian intelligence officers believed that the statements were over exaggerated.VBA upozoravala na moguće napade u Makedoniji http://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/125/Dru%C5%A1tvo/1915195/VBA+upozoravala+na+mogu%C4%87e+napade+u+Makedoniji.html 23 August 2015 RTS RTS Serbian Turkey - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released hopes that the political tensions which have been ongoing in the Republic of Macedonia for a certain period of time would be resolved through democratic means within the principle of rule of law, and dialogue, and the domestic peace and inter-ethnic balance achieved through the Ohrid Framework Agreement in 2001 will not be damaged.11 May 2015, Press Release Regarding the Last Developments in Kumanovo/Macedonia http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-149_-11-may-2015_-press-release-regarding-the-last-developments-in-kumanovo_macedonia.en.mfa mfa.gov.tr Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Turkey) 11 May 2015 See also North Macedonia Operation Mountain Storm Timeline of Kumanovo 2015 Macedonian protests Annotations upper-alpha A The eight policemen killed were: Boban Ivanovikj (1968, from Stajkovci); Goran Ilijevski (1974, from Gostivar); Goran Stojmenovikj (1970, from Miladinovci); Žarko Kuzmanovski (1981, from Brvenica); Isamedin Osmani (1983, from Studeničani); Ljubiša Arangelovikj (1966, from Skopje); Nenad Serafimovski (1987, from Zubovce); Sašo Samojlovski (1982, from Brvenica).http://www.mia.mk/en/Inside/RenderSingleNews/289/132635287 Kumanovo neighbourhood picks up after two days intense fighting Macedonian Information Agency 11 May 2015 22 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20161020212341/http://www.mia.mk/en/Inside/RenderSingleNews/289/132635287 20 October 2016 dead References 3 Category:Albanian nationalism in North Macedonia Category:Attacks in Europe in 2015 Category:Terrorist incidents in Europe in 2015 Category:2015 in the Republic of Macedonia Category:Terrorism in North Macedonia Category:Kumanovo Category:Nationalist terrorism in Europe Category:Albanian separatism Category:Law enforcement in North Macedonia Category:Modern history of North Macedonia Category:Law enforcement operations