Victims of the Prekaz Massacre Commemorated in Kosovo

A commemoration ceremony was held on the 27th anniversary of the "Prekaz Massacre," in which Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK) founding commander Adem Jashari and his family were killed by Serbian forces during the Kosovo War.

The event took place at the Adem Jashari Barracks in the capital, Pristina, with the participation of Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, government officials, members of the Jashari family, and many attendees.

In her speech, President Osmani expressed that Adem Jashari and all those who sacrificed their lives for Kosovo’s freedom are remembered with pride.

"One of the most heroic battles of the Albanian nation took place in Prekaz," Osmani stated, adding, "Prekaz was not just a village. It was a fortress of freedom, an indomitable refuge for our people, and it remains so today. The Jashari family is the foundation upon which Kosovo’s freedom was built—a living monument of unparalleled sacrifice and heroism."

Prime Minister Kurti emphasized that the Kosovo army was initially formed with minimal weapons and equipment but was sustained by the determination of its people.

"Since Adem Jashari and his comrades set out with the idea of forming an army for Kosovo, we have never had a military force as strong, armed, equipped, and trained as we do today," Kurti said.

The ceremony concluded with the inspection of the honor guard by the leaders.

Prekaz Massacre

Between March 5-7, 1998, approximately 5,000 Serbian forces besieged Adem Jashari's home in Prekaz village, launching attacks with tanks and heavy weaponry. The assault resulted in the massacre of around 60 people, including women, children, and the elderly.

The only survivor of the massacre was 10-year-old Besarta Jashari, the daughter of Hamza Jashari.

The "Prekaz Massacre" is considered a turning point that led to NATO's international intervention in Kosovo.

In a report published after the attack, Amnesty International stated, "All findings confirm that the assault aimed not to capture UÇK soldiers but to eliminate them and their families."