Kosovo uncovers remains of at least 23 people in suspected 1990s mass graves

A joint statement from Kosovo's prosecutors, police officials and forensic investigators reported that teams from the forensic medicine institute have identified skeletal remains of at least 23 individuals in three suspected mass-grave sites. The graves, excavated near Zubin Potok, are believed to contain Albanian victims who were forcibly taken from Mitrovica and killed in the spring of 1999. Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti highlighted the find as part of a broader initiative to locate the roughly 1,600 people still missing from the 1998-1999 war, which claimed about 13,000 lives.

All recovered remains have been sent for DNA testing, a process expected to take several months. In connection with the investigation, police have arrested three local men on allegations of committing war crimes against civilians. The effort underscores Kosovo's continued attempts to bring closure to families and address unresolved war-time atrocities.