Serbian Police Officer Killed in Tense Vehicle Check Near Bosnian Border

A Serbian police officer was killed and another wounded during a routine vehicle check near the Bosnian border, with the Serbian government blaming Kosovo for the incident. Kosovo urged not to politicize the matter. A suspect identified as Faton Hajrizi is on the run, with one person arrested.

A Serbian police officer was tragically killed and another wounded in a shootout during a routine vehicle check near the Bosnian border on Thursday. The Serbian government has labeled the incident an act of "terrorism" purportedly initiated by neighboring Kosovo. However, Kosovo officials urge that the situation not be politicized.

The altercation began when Serbian police stopped a Serbian-licensed car with two occupants, one of whom opened fire, fatally injuring one officer and wounding another, before fleeing the scene. The other car occupant has been detained by authorities. Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic stated that the gunman carried a Kosovo passport and a German ID, identifying him as Artan Hajrizi.

Further complicating the case, a man claiming to be Artan Hajrizi announced from Germany that his brother Faton Hajrizi had stolen his documents and may be responsible for the attack. Kosovo media reported that Faton Hajrizi had recently escaped from jail. Despite rising tensions, Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti emphasized the need to handle the issue from a security and legal standpoint rather than politicizing it.

(With inputs from agencies.)