The crimes of Serbian Forces in the Municipality of Gjakova (1998-1999)

Abstract

The city of Gjakova, which at the time of the events of 1998-1999 was located on the territory of the Autonomous Province of Kosovo (actually the Republic of Kosovo), became the scene of violent clashes during the break- up of the former Yugoslavia. Therefore, the relevance of the article lies in the need to analyse the crimes committed by Serbian military groups in the area of Gjakova from 1998 to 1999. The aim of the study is to reveal the nature, scale, and consequences of these crimes and to establish the connection between the events in Gjakova and the overall course of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia. To achieve this goal, the following methods were used: analytical, comparative, case study, synthetic, induction and deduction, abstraction and generalization. In particular, through the analysis of archival documents, eyewitness accounts, international reports and other sources, the motives, tactics, and strategy of military groups in committing crimes were revealed. Thus, the role of these crimes is clarified in the context of a balanced understanding of the Yugoslav wars and their impact on subsequent events and processes in regional stability and law and order. Various aspects of the crimes are analysed in detail, including massacres, ethnic cleansing, violence and human rights abuses. Particular attention is paid to the role of the Serbian military in these events, its organizational structure and interaction with other groups. The study also examines the international response to these crimes, including the actions of international organizations and attempts to bring perpetrators to justice under international law. In addition, the role of these events as part of the historical context and their impact on the further development of the region was examined. The practical significance of the article is to find new facts confirming the crimes committed and which can be used in court proceedings