Full Breakdown
Kosovo Excavates New Mass Graves, Raising Hopes for Missing War Victims
8/12/2026, 10:12:55 PM
New Excavations Near Kalluder e Vogel
Workers began digging newly discovered mass graves near the village of Kalluder e Vogel in the northern municipality of Zubin Potok in late July. The sites were identified after human remains were found close to where Erblin Ademi last saw his father, surgeon Adem Ademi, who vanished in April 1999. Police in Kosovo arrested two ethnic Serbs on suspicion of war crimes a month before the excavations started; the suspects remain in custody.
Background: Missing Persons and the 1998-99 Conflict
The Kosovo war left roughly 13,000 dead and about 1,600 people still missing, according to the Humanitarian Law Center rights group. The missing include roughly 1,200 ethnic Albanians, around 400 ethnic Serbs and dozens of Roma. In May 2023, Serbia and Kosovo signed an agreement committing both sides to clarify the fate of the missing, but each has accused the other of stalling cooperation.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Albin Kurti said authorities believe the victims could be among the missing intellectuals who were trying to flee Kosovo when they were captured by Serb troops. Bekim Blakaj of the Humanitarian Law Center criticized the lack of cooperation, stating “it is obvious that authorities are not willing to cooperate.” Kosovo police confirmed the arrests and emphasized that the investigations are ongoing. The European Union has urged both parties to normalize ties to advance their respective EU accession plans.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Always, when we hear about the beginning of the excavations, there is a mixed feeling, a feeling of hope and a feeling of pain,” — Erblin Ademi, a prominent surgeon
- “It is obvious that authorities are not willing to cooperate,” — Bekim Blakaj
- “Every human being has the right to have a grave where they can be visited, where they can be honored, where they can be remembered,” — Erblin Ademi, a prominent surgeon
What’s Next
Excavations are expected to continue throughout the coming months as forensic teams work to identify remains. Families like the Ademis hope the process will eventually allow them to honor their loved ones with proper graves. The two detained suspects will face further legal proceedings, and Kosovo officials have pledged to maintain momentum toward locating all missing war victims.
